Understanding Global Beauty and the Mixed Race Body in Cosmetics Advertising

Presented by the Center for Asia Pacific Studies and the Yuchengco Philippines Studies Program at the University of San Francisco

In 2003, an issue of Newsweek magazine features Saira Mohan, a Punjabi-French-Irish-Canadian model on its cover to highlight shifting global standards of beauty. In the corresponding story, authors Fred Guterl and Michael Hastings declare that Mohan is the “New global face of beauty.” Part of the reason why she fits this title is because she is “just Asian enough to suit Western sensibilities, while retaining some ambiguity.” By examining cosmetics advertisements, interviews with Filipinas, and observations from her field research, Dr. Joanne Rondilla of Arizona State University will interrogate the idea that global standard of beauty are shifting. In particular, she will look at how mixed race bodies are used to re-enforce racial hierarchy by highlighting that beauty is global as long as it appeals to Euro-American sensibilities.

The event is free and open to the public. Click here for registration information.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Fromm Hall 120 - Xavier Auditorium
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA