I admire all the work you've put into this piece, and into scrupulous AMW scholarship more generally. I'm intrigued that you spoke to Maria Riva in person. I read recently that she's still with us, nearly a centenarian. I envy you for being just that one single degree removed from not only your subject, but also so much other Hollywood history!
Thank you, David. I believe Maria Riva is still alive today. When I was in touch with her she was about 96. One small clarification: I didn't speak with her in person, but I was able to correspond with her via email with the help of her son.
This such great scholarship! I'm going to share this with students in a queer history class I'm teaching at the moment, we've talked a lot about the challenges and ethics of recovering queer history. Also, from the point of view of a fashion historian, no way is that a bathing suit from 1919 and also lesbian fashions in the 1930s are simply not that different from the fashion straight women wore. Wearing masculine clothes was fashionable for women, in the context of a lesbian space it might have had a particular meaning, but it certainly isn't enough to suggest making a claim about someone's sexuality.
Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge, Victoria! I had the same thought about the bathing suit but am not knowledgeable enough on 1910s fashion. I also appreciate that queer history is something you're actively teaching! It's unfortunate that Huang's book is an example of what not to do, but hopefully it will be instructive for your students.
You are 100% correct. This author Huang, is obviously in need of selling books, but at the expense of degrading and more than implying that someone's sexuality was what it wasn't, is disgusting and he himself has low intentions. For those that have different preferences for sexual partners, it is their private business with no shame. However, to label people, alive or dead, is truly ruthless and totally uncalled for. If AMW has any living relatives, I would not blame them for throwing a lawsuit out there.
I greatly appreciate all of your work in setting the record straight about the erroneous claims and statements made in the other “biographies” of Anna May Wong. Your thorough analysis and research were spot on, as you address and refute each allegation in a methodical and thoughtful manner. I believe she was an ally of the LGBTQ community. At that moment in history this was especially significant and should now be viewed with pride and inspiration. Thank you for setting the record straight!
I'll not comment on the underlying _conclusions_ Katie makes. But I'll tell you this-Katie has correctly identified every single picture she brings to our attention.
The pictures are a very important part of the story. More important to Wong's story than most.
So, as someone who has been through thousands of Anna May Wong's photos, struggling through ids and context, making mistakes, and admitting my errors, I tell you her identifications and context of the representative photos are accurate in _every_ respect.
Starting there, you can make your own judgement on import of the rest of the essay.
I bought Huang’s book shortly after reading yours. The difference in quality and accuracy is stunning. You are at the top of the mountain in terms of Anna May Wong biography writers. Thanks for this fascinating critique.
I appreciate this piece and all the hard work you've done (and keep doing!) to honour Anna May's legacy. I read Yunte Huang's biography of Anna May before I read yours, and I was struck by the differences in how she was portrayed in each, though I didn't look into why you had come to different conclusions. I appreciate you clarifying what the real truth is about her story.
I admire all the work you've put into this piece, and into scrupulous AMW scholarship more generally. I'm intrigued that you spoke to Maria Riva in person. I read recently that she's still with us, nearly a centenarian. I envy you for being just that one single degree removed from not only your subject, but also so much other Hollywood history!
Thank you, David. I believe Maria Riva is still alive today. When I was in touch with her she was about 96. One small clarification: I didn't speak with her in person, but I was able to correspond with her via email with the help of her son.
This such great scholarship! I'm going to share this with students in a queer history class I'm teaching at the moment, we've talked a lot about the challenges and ethics of recovering queer history. Also, from the point of view of a fashion historian, no way is that a bathing suit from 1919 and also lesbian fashions in the 1930s are simply not that different from the fashion straight women wore. Wearing masculine clothes was fashionable for women, in the context of a lesbian space it might have had a particular meaning, but it certainly isn't enough to suggest making a claim about someone's sexuality.
Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge, Victoria! I had the same thought about the bathing suit but am not knowledgeable enough on 1910s fashion. I also appreciate that queer history is something you're actively teaching! It's unfortunate that Huang's book is an example of what not to do, but hopefully it will be instructive for your students.
Katie,
You are 100% correct. This author Huang, is obviously in need of selling books, but at the expense of degrading and more than implying that someone's sexuality was what it wasn't, is disgusting and he himself has low intentions. For those that have different preferences for sexual partners, it is their private business with no shame. However, to label people, alive or dead, is truly ruthless and totally uncalled for. If AMW has any living relatives, I would not blame them for throwing a lawsuit out there.
Thank you.
I greatly appreciate all of your work in setting the record straight about the erroneous claims and statements made in the other “biographies” of Anna May Wong. Your thorough analysis and research were spot on, as you address and refute each allegation in a methodical and thoughtful manner. I believe she was an ally of the LGBTQ community. At that moment in history this was especially significant and should now be viewed with pride and inspiration. Thank you for setting the record straight!
I wondered about this book when I saw it in stores. Really appreciate this detailed and thorough inspection of it. And, I won’t be reading it!
Thanks, Betsy!
You’ve certainly convinced me!
Thank you for your support, Florence! And for all the engaged subscribers you send my way!
I'll not comment on the underlying _conclusions_ Katie makes. But I'll tell you this-Katie has correctly identified every single picture she brings to our attention.
The pictures are a very important part of the story. More important to Wong's story than most.
So, as someone who has been through thousands of Anna May Wong's photos, struggling through ids and context, making mistakes, and admitting my errors, I tell you her identifications and context of the representative photos are accurate in _every_ respect.
Starting there, you can make your own judgement on import of the rest of the essay.
I bought Huang’s book shortly after reading yours. The difference in quality and accuracy is stunning. You are at the top of the mountain in terms of Anna May Wong biography writers. Thanks for this fascinating critique.
I appreciate this piece and all the hard work you've done (and keep doing!) to honour Anna May's legacy. I read Yunte Huang's biography of Anna May before I read yours, and I was struck by the differences in how she was portrayed in each, though I didn't look into why you had come to different conclusions. I appreciate you clarifying what the real truth is about her story.
Strong lit crit, here. And much needed in-depth investigation. Good work!
Great of you to set the record straight, and back up your points.