The Deathly Embrace Orientalism and Asian American Identity
The Deathly Embrace: Orientalism and Asian American Identity by Sheng-mei Ma, published by U of Minnesota Press in 2000, is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between Asian American identity and Orientalism. This first edition, comprising 185 pages, delves into the dynamics of resistance against Western stereotypes and the intricate ways in which these identities are shaped by historical narratives.
Readers will find that the book examines the works of notable Asian American writers, including Maxine Hong Kingston and Amy Tan, highlighting how their literary contributions both challenge and engage with Orientalist themes. Sheng-mei Ma argues that the act of refuting these stereotypes often necessitates their initial invocation, revealing a nuanced interplay between cultural identity and representation. The text addresses key topics in social science, ethnic studies, and literary criticism, making it a significant addition to discussions surrounding minority studies and Asian American studies.
Official synopsis Publisher
Asian American resistance to Orientalism — the Western tradition dealing with the subject and subjugation of the East — is usually assumed. And yet, as this provocative work demonstrates, in order to refute racist stereotypes they must first be evoked, and in the process the two often become entangled. Sheng-mei Ma shows how the distinguished careers of post-1960s Asian American writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston, Amy Tan, Frank Chin, and David Henry Hwang reveal that while Asian American identity is constructed in reaction to Orientalism, the two cultural forces are not necessarily at odds. The vigor with which these Asian Americans revolt against Orientalism in fact tacitly acknowledges the family lineage of the two.
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