I Smell a Shitshow: Dita Von Teese Dons Yellowface in Burlesque Show "Opium Den" →
Dita Von Teese created an act called Opium Den that is the finale to her show Strip Strip Hooray, the act uses negative two dimensional stereotypes of Asian Women to invoke sex. The act has a mash up of many Asian cultures in the set, music, costume, and movement. Every ‘Sexy Asian Lady’ stereotype (China Doll, Geisha Girl, Dragon Lady) makes an appearance. The music incorporates gongs, koto, and a loop of the stereotypical ‘something or someone Chinese (or more generally Asian) is happening’ riff.
I’m glad this conversation is finally happening. The act’s been around for a while and I was always confused as to why people weren’t upset about it.
