Change My Race

Change My Race is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the growing trend of cosmetic surgery, racial identity and cultural changes in today’s increasingly globalized world. The 2013 film features the actress Anna Choy with Dominique Maber in a leading role, offering a raw and bitter-sweet perspective of race and physical appearance obsession.

At heart, Change My Race is an examination of the influence of Western beauty standards on people of Asian descent, mainly focusing on the increasing trend of surgical procedures to westernize their features. Anna Choy, a seasoned actress with a unique ability to balance empathy with objectiveness, anchors the story. Her background – ethnically Chinese but born and raised in Australia – gives her an endearing perspective and ability to navigate this socially delicate and fiercely personal subject.

The film opens with Choy examining her insecurities regarding her appearance, mulling over the pressures and expectations that being a part of two different worlds inevitably brings. This personal narrative sets the tone for a broader exploration of a global phenomenon.

Choy interviews a range of individuals that shined a light on the complexity of the issue. The film analyzes and showcases the personal stories of several young Asian-Australians who have undergone or are planning to undergo procedures for altering their ethnic features. Furthermore, the film also features interviews with specialist surgeons who provide medical insights and counterarguments confirming the rising demand for such procedures.

Change My Race does not hold back when it comes to showing the harsh reality of cosmetic surgery, which ranges from pain and bruising to long-lasting psychological consequences. Depictions of post-op recovery create stark visuals for the audience and portray the sacrifices many are willing to endure in the quest for beauty keying into Western ideals.

Yet, the film is far from being just about cosmetic surgery. Underneath the bright lights of the operating room, it explores much bigger themes: the perceived Whiteness as the ideal of beauty, racial identity, societal expectations, cultural assimilation, and the impact of media. These complexities are handled meticulously by Anna Choy, guiding the viewers and inviting them not to judge, but to understand why people feel compelled to change their ethnic features.

Dominique Maber's appearance in the documentary further explored her ambivalent thoughts about the procedure and its implications. Her enthusiasm to share the journey showcased the film's humanizing element, offering a rare look into the personal experiences and emotions of those struggling with the beauty standards imposed by society.

One of the major strengths of Change My Race lies in its nuance. It does not villainize the individuals who choose to alter their appearance, nor does it straightforwardly criticize Western culture. Rather, it presents a balanced, empathetic view of people caught in between cultures, navigating through their personal and societal identities.

In the attempt to make it relatable to the audience, the film includes artistic sequences of dance and dramatic performances by the subjects of the film. These sequences, deeply rooted in Asian culture, form a contrast to the pursuit of Western beauty ideals, invoking a visually emotive understanding of their inner dilemmas.

The documentary ends on both unsettling and hopeful notes. Anna Choy's investigation shows that the trend for Westernization procedures is likely not going away soon. However, the intelligence, authenticity, and empathy shown by the film's subjects signal a growing conversation about cultural identity and body acceptance in modern society.

Ultimately, Change My Race is a journey into cultural identity, personal struggle, and societal pressure. It depicts how people try to alter their race, not out of self-hate, but a reflection on the societies they live in. The film resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to look a certain way to fit into an ideal of beauty, encouraging a broader conversation about self-acceptance and breaking down cultural barriers. It underscores the importance of defining beauty individually and cellbrating diversity in all its forms.