Content warning: This episode discusses mental health issues and themes of assault. In this deeply personal episode, Vivien and Keziah open up about their own experiences of being fetishised as Asian women in the dating scene. They reflect on how these harmful stereotypes have shaped their relationships and self-perceptions. Supporting us through this is Filipina-American health psychologist Nicole Schoombie, who unpacks the psychological and physical harm caused by the hypersexualisation and fetishisation of Asian bodies. We explore how fetishisation is rooted in colonialism and racism, and the lasting impact it has on the physical and mental health and well-being of Asian women. This is a crucial conversation on reclaiming identity and challenging destructive narratives. Disclaimer: Vivien's views are solely her own and does not reflect the views of Re: News or TVNZ. Resources mentioned in the podcast: 1. 'I've never had Asian p***y before': Filipinas talk about dating in NZ - The article that brought all three of us together 2. What's the difference between a fetish and preference? Quote about fetishisation on @thefleshlightchronicles “Preference for may be due to your exposure through media, where you group up, and who you surround your with. this can be based on race, culture, religion, environment and background. However without the elimination of other ethnic groups” 3. When does fetishising of the Filipina body or even Asian body become harmful? 2021 Atlanta Spa Shootings Rise in hate incidents reported to police on RNZ Schoolboy attacked with metal pole on Auckland bus on NZ Herald Young Asian assault victim suffering nightmares since attack on RNZ Espinosa, D. M. (2023). Not your submissive china doll: Counseling Asian American female survivors of sexual assault at the intersection of racialized sexism. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 14(3), 284. Cheng, H. L., & Youngju Kim, H. (2018). Racial and sexual objectification of Asian American women: Associations with trauma symptomatology, body image concerns, and disordered eating. Women & Therapy, 41(3-4), 237-260. 4. Further reading and reference on microagressions: Nadal, K. L. (2021). Filipino American psychology: A handbook of theory, research, and clinical practice (2nd ed.). Nadal, K. L., Wong, Y., Sriken, J., Griffin, K., & Fujii-Doe, W. (2015). Racial microaggressions and Asian Americans: An exploratory study on within-group differences and mental health. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 6(2), 136. Timid? As if! Asian New Zealand women on racism and resistance on The Spinoff Dating While Asian: Fun, sexy, sobering times in modern New Zealand on Canvas 5. Where to get help? Find your community - your peers and online Aotearoa Filipino Potluck on Facebook Posts about issues related to the filipino diaspora @the.brown.psych Posts about Filipino values and psychology @Sikodiwa New Zealand mental health services: Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342, Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm. Asian Mental Health Services: click on the link for local helplines. Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00, click link for local helplines. Safe to talk: a 24/7 confidential helpline: 0800 842 846, text 4334, webchat safetotalk.nz or email support@safetotalk.nz. Shakti: 0800 742 584, provides culturally specialist, confidential support services to women and their children of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origins The Harbour: Online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse. Women’s Refuge: 0800 733 843 (females only) Male Survivors Aotearoa: Helplines across NZ, click to find out more (males only) If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111. Search helplines by country here.
