Here Wong’s face is reflected in the highly polished surface of the table. This duality mirrors the challenges Wong encountered in her attempt to accurately reflect her cultural heritage and talent as a Chinese American actress in early 20th-century Hollywood. Frustrated by continually being cast in minor roles based in racist stereotypes, Wong left for Europe in 1920. There she achieved a level of international fame that facilitated a career on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1935, Wong once again conflicted with Hollywood directors when they chose a white actress to play the lead role of a Chinese character. Following this affront, Wong became an activist, working to end racist portrayals of Chinese Americans and advocate for Chinese immigration and citizenship in the U.S.