Actor #ConstanceWu, pictured in 2018 at the premiere of Crazy Rich Asians, has opened up about #mentalhealthstruggles in a #socialmedia post.
After being largely under the radar for three years, Hollywood actor #ConstanceWu broke her silence last week, opening up about her #mentalhealth, and in doing so, admitting there’s still a lot of work left to do to for and within the #AsianAmerican community.
It all started back in 2019, when Wu’s ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat announced it would be renewed for a sixth season. Wu responded to the news with frustration, writing on Twitter: “So upset right now that I’m literally crying. Ugh. F***” and “F***ing hell.”
Wu, who has also starred in the movies Crazy Rich Asians and Hustlers, later clarified that her grievances were related to a missed work opportunity. Despite her explanation, users on #socialmedia still condemned Wu’s comments, branding her as ungrateful, selfish and a diva. The backlash led her to a #mentalhealthcrisis and a #suicideattempt, Wu revealed on Twitter last week.
“I was afraid of coming back on #socialmedia because I almost lost my life from it,” Wu wrote. “[#AsianAmericans] don’t talk about #mentalhealth enough. While we’re quick to celebrate representation wins, there’s a lot of avoidance around the more uncomfortable issues within our community.”
If you or someone you know may be considering #suicide, contact the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
When #AsianAmerican #women try to be ambitious, it’s often been met with pushback
In her statement, Wu wrote, “I’m not poised or graceful or perfect. I’m emotional. I make mistakes.”
#AsianAmerican experts say while that confession may not appear profound to some, for others, it spoke volumes about the pressures typically felt by #AsianAmerican #women.
“#AsianAmerican #women want to be their authentic selves but their image and #behavior are prescribed by society and family expectations,” says Hyeouk Chris Hahm, an associate dean of research at Boston University’s School of Social Work, who has extensively studied #mentalhealthdisparities in the #AsianAmerican community.
While no two experiences are alike, Hahm points out that in spaces like the workplace, many #AsianAmerican #women are stereotyped to be soft-spoken, respectful and followers rather than leaders. When they try to break out of that mold by speaking up for themselves, they can be met with pushback, Hahm added.
“When #AsianAmerican #women try to be autonomous, ambitious, self-fulfilling, it’s been historically perceived as threatening the social order and social norm,” Hahm said.
Recently, Twitter users have pointed out that double standard after comparing Wu’s backlash to actors such as Robert Pattinson, who received a more positive reception after bad-mouthing his breakout film, Twilight.
“The harshness behind the overall reaction to Wu’s tweets demonstrates the implicit yet widely-held hostility towards #Asian #women,” said culture writer Roslyn Talusan in a 2019 Playboy article. “As it stands, humanity isn’t afforded to angry, insubordinate #Asian #women.”
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
For many people of #Asian descent, individual reputation is tied to their community’s reputation
In her tweet, Wu said it wasn’t just the online harassment, but shame from other #AsianAmerican acquaintances that felt traumatizing.
According to Wu, a fellow #AsianAmerican actress — who she didn’t name — privately condemned her, calling Wu a “blight” to their community.
“I started feeling like I didn’t even deserve to live anymore. That I was a disgrace to [#AsianAmericans], and they’d be better off without me,” she wrote.
Words like “blight” and “disgrace” can be especially hurtful to #AsianAmericans, said Jenn Fang, the founder and editor of Reappropriate, an #AsianAmerican-centered race and gender blog.
“Being a public figure, especially on #socialmedia, criticism happens,” Fang said. “But for #AsianAmericans, this thread of criticism is particularly personal and difficult to bear because it suggests we don’t belong and we should leave the #AsianAmerican community.”
Hahm points out that it’s not just people of #Asian descent — many immigrants of all backgrounds can relate to the burden that comes when an individual’s reputation is seen as a reflection of their family or community’s reputation.
“Reputation is important for many immigrants because it creates trust and trust becomes a foundation for immigrants rebuilding their wealth, social networks, and resources,” Hahm said.
Hollywood is only one of the places where representation matters
To Fang, part of Wu’s online criticism also had to do with fans’ staunch loyalty to Fresh Off the Boat, and the pressure for #AsianAmerican representation in media.
When the sitcom first aired, there was a lot of anticipation amongst #AsianAmericans, Fang recalled, mainly because it was the first time in roughly two decades that network television focused on an #AsianAmerican family.
“There’s a sense within the community that if we can see more of ourselves in media, we will feel more like we belong,” Fang said. “Common among #AsianAmericans is this question of where we fit, where do we belong?”
According to Fang, that’s why on-screen representation matters, and why there’s still a lot of room for improvement — whether that’s forgoing harmful stereotypes or accurately reflecting the experiences of South #Asians and #PacificIslanders. But she also underscores that Hollywood is only one avenue where representation matters for #AsianAmericans.
“The problem, however, is that when we focus exclusively on issues of media representation without addressing it alongside other issues, we run the risk of forgetting that improved media representation is not by itself a solution to anti-#Asian #racism,” she said.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
