Attack of the Man-Eating Lotus Blossoms by Justin Chin

Attack of the Man-Eating Lotus Blossomsby Anonymous

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November 27, 2005: Attack of the Man-Eating Lotus Blossoms is Justin Chin?s record of his career as a queer performance artist, 1994-2001. Although the collection lacks essential elements of a live performance, it is nonetheless a thought-provoking body of work revolving around one man?s social commentary on Asian stereotypes. This includes stinging commentaries on GLBT attitude toward Asian culture including the most pervasive-- the sexual. Reading Margaret Cho?s thoughts in print would likewise be missing her live presence which is best captured in a theatre, even though her DVDs are excellent. But both performers take exception to objectifications of their heritage. I doubt the artist would appreciate the comparison (it could be perceived as stereotyping in itself), but both fiercely accuse their witnesses of lazy thinking. Attack of the Man-Eating Lotus Blossoms is educational as well as entertaining but makes one uncomfortable at times when it pinpoints stereotypes we do not realize many of us embrace. Chin?s record is a good example of the evolution of the artist as his work progresses from spotty nuances to better insights into his own anger about how our culture crams human beings into boxes instead of looking deeper. I doubt the author would ever perform in Savannah, Georgia, but I would trip over myself running to buy tickets.