M. Butterfly

On page 1282, Song discusses European men's fascination with "Orientalized" women. When Gallimard mentions that Song herself would consider their infatuation imperialistic, Song replies, "sometimes... sometimes, it is also mutual." This line is particularly interesting as it seems to suggest that the "other," whether referring to the Orient, women, or any other group that has been socialized as inferior, actively participates in the creation of its position as inferior. However, Hwang seems ignore the idea that while at times oppressed parties participate in their own oppression, it is generally instigated by the "superior" group. Furthermore, the implication that the oppressed group has created its own reality thoroughly belittles the imperialist's or oppressor's role.