No article on this subject is complete without addressing the cliché of "exoticism." A harmful romantic storyline presents the Asian woman as a cure for a Western man's loneliness—a "lotus flower" or a "dragon lady."
: Modern photo projects aim to move away from the "male gaze," focusing instead on the authentic perspectives of Asian women and their personal memories. Practical Tips for Storytelling
When discussing , we must address the photographer’s gaze. In romantic storylines, the gaze defines the relationship.