Description
Book SynopsisDr. Pyong Gap Min and Rose Kim present a compilation of narratives on ethnic identity written by first-, 1.5-, and second-generation Asian American professionals. In an attempt to reconcile the dichotomies long associated with being both Asian and American, these narratives trace the formation of each author''s ethnic identity and discuss its importance in shaping his or her professional career. The narratives touch upon common themes of prejudice and discrimination, loss and retention of ethnic subculture, ethnic versus non-ethnic friendship networks, and racial and inter-racial dating patterns. When coupled with Dr. Min''s comprehensive introductory chapter on contemporary trends in the study of ethnicity, these narratives prove that constructing one''s ethnicity is truly a dynamic process and serve as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in teaching or studying the concepts of ethnic identity.
Trade ReviewStruggle for Ethnic Identity is a welcome and valuable resource that brings out the human dimensions of the Asian American experience that are too often obscured by homogenizing stereotypes. -- Keith Osajima, (University of Redlands) * Journal of American Ethnic History *
Few empirical studies had been done on Asian Americans in terms of personal experiences, cultural and ethnic identity, social status and economic conditions in the mainstream white society before this collection of 15 autobiographical essays....The most significant value of this collection is that it brings to light several common issues: racial prejudice and discrimination, interest in and criticism of ethnic subcultures, assimilation, and the search for one's ethnic identity. -- Suping Lu, (University of Nebraska) * Multicultural Review *
Table of Contentschapter 1 Acknowledgments chapter 2 Introduction Part 3 I. Pyong Gap Min: Ethnicity: Concepts, Theories, and Trends Part 4 II. Ethnic Culture: An Identity in Conflict chapter 5 Rose Kim, My Trek chapter 6 Ruth Chung, Reflections on A Korean American Journey chapter 7 Alex Jeong, A Handicapped Korean in America Part 8 III. Building Coalitions: A Pan-Asian or Non-White Identity? chapter 9 Kavitha Mediratta, How Do You Say Your Name? chapter 10 David Wang, Beyond the Golden Door chapter 11 Phuong Do, A Girl Called Hoai Part 12 IV. Living in Two Worlds: A Bicultural Identity chapter 13 Sayuri Mori, Finding Myself chapter 14 Monica Jahan Bose, Multiple Identities chapter 15 Shay Sheth, An Indian Boy in American Clothes Part 16 V. Blending In: Weak Attachments to the Ethnic Group chapter 17 Eriberto P. Lozada Jr., What Being Filipino American Means to Someone Called Fuji chapter 18 Joel de la Fuente, An (Asian American) Actor's Life chapter 19 Jean Hotta, My Own "Family" chapter 20 VI. A New World: The First Generation Experience chapter 21 Lakshmi Malroutu, The Balancing Act chapter 22 Margaret Y.M. Kan, Reaching the Glass Ceiling...at Home chapter 23 Hoang Diem Hau, An Unwilling Refugee chapter 24 Conclusion chapter 25 Bibliography
