The Princess Fantasy of Singapore: Shorter Histories and US Decline in Crazy Rich Asians

A symbolic analysis of the 'Dendrobium Barack and Michelle Obama,' a hybrid orchid gifted by Singapore to the U.S. during a 2016 state dinner, reveals its dual significance: representing both diplomatic relations and a reversal of traditional gender dynamics in East-West interactions. The orchid, bred at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, combines Hawaiian and Singaporean Dendrobium species, reflecting a heteronormative romantic narrative that feminizes the U.S. while masculinizing Singapore. This study decodes such 'orchid diplomacy'—a practice of gifting hybrid orchids to dignitaries—and its implications for soft power dynamics in international relations.

(Ed.). (2023). 4. The Princess Fantasy of Singapore: Shorter Histories and US Decline in Crazy Rich Asians. Becoming Global Asia, 114–142. https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520396678-007