M Butterfly

Throughout the play “ M Butterfly”, evidence of racial and gender inferiority is seen.   The poem explores the aspects of the relationship between race and gender in the eyes both Western and Eastern cultures. The author is keen on the stereotypes that are affiliated with both cultures.  The Western cultures believe that “ oriental countries and women are submissive” and “ feminine”, while eastern cultures believe that western cultures are “ rude”, “ foreign” “ and “ masculine”.    Gallimard and his wife are critical of China’s “ antiquity” and “ arrogance” , while Song and Comrade Chin are critical of  France’s selfishness and intolerance.   These conflicting stereotypes provide us with reasoning on why there is such ambiguity between the two cultures and give us further insight on the relationship between Gallimard and Song.   The two constantly find themselves in conflict due to the difference in idea of race and gender.   Song, knowing that her culture looks down on western culture ideology, constantly finds herself debating on whether she/he should be with Gallimard. Furthermore Gallimard, also knowing about his own culture’s stereotypes and claims about China, also debates on whether he should pursue Song.     Along with racial differences, gender differences also exist between the two cultures.    The main difference between genders pertaining to the two cultures is the treatment of women. The stereotype towards the treatment of women in China is that it is ok to treat women poorly. This is seen on pg. 6 when Pinkerton states “ Not like American girls… They want to be treated bad!.” This quote shows how people are influenced by the stereotypes that they learn in their home countries. 

This themes of racial and gender throughout the play remind us of the difference in cultures.  The play reminds us that there is a fundamental difference between gender and race between western and eastern cultures.  I believe that David Hwang is also trying to remind the audience of the play to have an open perspective on the differences.  The characters in the play did not have an open perspective and were already hypnotized by stereotypes, thus leading to the many conflicts and arguments.   Hwang tries to remind his readers to keep an open mind and to try to understand and appreciate cultures rather then stereotype and ridicule them.