Representations of Chinese Masculinities: A Case Study of Jackie Chan

Abstract

Are the patterns of masculinity dependent upon culture? Masculinity appears distorted through cultural misrepresentations. To validate or discard this hypothesis, the researcher draws upon selected works of Jackie Chan who is a veteran of three moviemaking cultures. The research method uses the interplay between hegemonic masculinity, ethnic masculinity and social masculinity, explicated in accordance with a model of masculinity by combining a theoretical framework put forth by Connell and Foucault. The findings are not surprising, as in the context of dominant cultures, hegemonic masculinity appears to be superior to ethnic masculinity. In movies where ethnic masculinity does not appear, a show of masculinity from competition among males in differing social classes is utilized. Those with higher social class are shown to be not always superior to those with a lower social class. Additionally, movies have portrayed equal masculinity power, irrespective of different social classes.