With the influx of Chinese immigrants comes the emergence of Chinese-American community and identity. And yet, when asked what exactly defines the Chinese-American identity or when prompted to even Google "Chinese-American identity," vague responses appear, often times lumping Chinese-Americans into the massive entity of Asian Americans. What is the Chinese-American identity, … [Read more...]
“Don’t Speak Chinese? Twinkie!”: Bilingualism and Authenticity among Chinese-Americans
Over the past few days (or years, rather), I've struggled with understanding the differences among Chinese-American communities and whether or not there is such a thing as a pan-Chinese identity or even one definitive Chinese-American identity. Oddly enough, I cannot define Chinese-American identity, and more often than not, I see the Chinese-American identity being lumped … [Read more...]
Diaspora, the Internet and Cyber-activism
For my own research paper, I read Aihwa Ong's "Cyberpublics and Diaspora Politics among Transnational Chinese." A few topics within her article struck me: 1. Diaspora versus transnationalism: Admittedly, I've been thinking of diasporic communities and transnational communities as interchangeable concepts. However, Ong explains that members of diaspora are often compelled to … [Read more...]
When Innovation Begets Resistance
This past evening, John Schmid, a journalist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and supported by the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting grant, gave a talk on his research on China’s role as a leading producer in the paper industry and the consequent effect on Wisconsin, a former lead in the American paper industry. According to his article featured in the Los Angeles Times, … [Read more...]
Something’s Gotta Give
In the World Commission on Environment and Development’s article, “From One Earth to One World,” sustainable development is addressed and the article particularly focuses on the interlocking crises of environmental degradation and the struggle for economic development. As sustainable development becomes a hot topic, there is a greater international pressure placed upon … [Read more...]
