Philip Ahn And the Politics of Cross-ethnic Performance

FROM SILENT FILMS TO TELEVISION PROGRAMS, HOLLYWOOD HAS EMPLOYED ACTORS OF VARIOUS ETHNICITIES TO REPRESENT "ORIENTAL" CHARACTERS, FROM CAUCASIAN STARS LIKE LORETTA YOUNG MADE UP IN YELLOW-FACE TO KOREAN AMERICAN PIONEER PHILIP AHN, WHOSE MORE THAN 200 SC

Philip Ahn(1905-1978) was in many was as unique as his father. Like Dosan, he was a universal man. He was an artist, a diplomat, a businessman, a patriot, and a leader of his community. These days his uniqueness is unnoticed and his lifetime accomplishments have been ignored. He has become somewhat of a forgotten man. Young Asians in the film and TV industry talk entertainment history like they are the pioneers. Present-day Korean American community activists act as though they are the first generation to encounter real social victimization. Many Koreans don't realize that there are Americans of Korean heritage who were as patriotic as any Korean born and truly helped put Korea in a position to participate in the modern world on a global basis. If you ask who Philip Ahn is, not many people know. Usually a non-Korean would most likely know more. Philip Ahn should be remembered well by all people because he was a person who made history and influenced many people's lives.

I would like to say Philip Ahn is the one who has almost brough Asian Americans a type of acceptance such as Bruce Lee. After the result of Bruce Lee's overcoming obstacles(racism), it would contribute efforts to the Asian Americans' fair life in America. Also, he could be a model for all Asian Americans in the reason of his perseverance. Likewise, Philip Ahn played in various role and Ahn was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6205 Hollywood Boulevard. He is the first Asian-American actor to receive a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

The Philip Ahn admiration Society - The official web site