7 minute read
Our Written Histories
The Asian American Experience Through Literature
By Loryn Smith
The influence of Asian literature is prolifc, infltrating all corners of American culture as something both wildly compelling and fascinatingly foreign. Though these stories might once have been valued simply for their “exotic” nature, Christopher Smith, a professor of Japanese literature and language at the University of Florida, explained that Asian literature has an undeniable appeal because of how deeply readers can resonate with its stories.
“Literature from pre-modern periods isn’t going to speak exactly to our current cultural concerns, but there are a lot of ways that … literature can talk about things very familiar to us,” he commented. “People were still falling in love and getting angry and all the things that we do today. Their emotions are familiar to us. Their drives are familiar to us.”
He referred to Japanese literature in particular when explaining that it has — along with those stories from other Asian countries — provided us a “window” to the lives of people in eras long gone, letting us perceive them “as humans who really lived rather than broad statements in a history textbook.”
Though Asian literature is characterized by its continually changing themes and subject matters, the content of these stories has been constant in its ability to reflect the experiences of its readers. This adaptability and genuinity has promoted the introduction of more modern narratives that speak to the experiences of Asians within the United States.
The onset of the 21st century represented more than simply the digitalization of literature. It would also become recognized as the moment that Asian literature in America evolved to become its own independent category: Asian American literature. Though still considered an ambiguous genre, the works of these authors, poets, and storytellers have come to create a contemporary anthology that emphasizes modern issues central to the experiences of Asian Americans themselves. Narratives grew more fluid as they adapted to the sudden influx of ethnicities, religions, languages, political views, and life experiences of their writers. Long gone are the days where the term “Asian” can be used to suggest singularity. Instead, there’s a movement to portray Asian Americans in ways that highlight the plurality of their identities and the multitudes that defne their existence. In effect, literature has become an instrument in which Asian Americans have used their experiences to assert their position in society rather than be alienated from it. Major themes of
their stories include the vestigial effects of war and imperialism, the development of identity, and conflict between assimilation and tradition.
The Asian American Experience
University of Michigan and published author of “The Dragon Warrior” series, is unafraid to address these far more serious subjects. She recognizes that, as a Chinese American author, she’s provided the opportunity to “make up fctional worlds and fctional characters and have readers emotionally resonate with them.”
Though acclaimed for her fantastical tales inspired by Chinese mythology, Zhao’s most recent book, “How We Fall Apart,” addresses relevant issues to the Asian American community, such as imposter syndrome, alienation, racism, and familial pressure to succeed. When asked about the importance of portraying these challenges in her novels, she explained that being able to “openly discuss these serious issues through literature is a good frst step in that it helps readers feel less alone in what they’re dealing with” and should encourage additional steps in real life to connect with friends and family to further discuss these matters, particularly regarding mental health.
“Growing up, I almost never had that [representation], and that was one reason why I never felt like I belonged or that my Asian American experience was valuable,” Zhao said. “I’m happy that, thanks to a growing array of diverse books, young marginalized readers can now see themselves in books and feel validated and proud of who they are.” For Jessica Jang, an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, this was the appeal that attracted her to Asian American literature in the frst place. Those little “cultural Easter eggs” that Zhao includes in her stories, the quirky characters with contradictions and inner turmoil, the complex backstories and family histories—they are all reminders that there are others who might be going through the same challenges as her.
More than simple recognition of the hardships associated with identity or immigration, Jang sees Asian American literature as a testament to the humanness of a historically alienized community. She expressed her appreciation for how these stories depict Asian Americans as much more than just a static archetype defned by their struggles.
This representation of humanity within Asian stories seems to be a continuity between both past and present literature. Like Jang, Asian and Asian American readers alike are given the opportunity to see that they are just as diverse, interesting, and relatable as any other individual through the telling of their stories.
The Writing of Our Legacy
Literature is a unique medium in which stories exist continuously and indefnitely. It is shared across generations, countries, and genders with meanings that morph to ft the experiences of the reader themselves. Compared to that of flm or other digital media, visibility in literature is the bare minimum. Characters may have the same last names as their readers or share the same country of origin, but what’s truly meaningful for these marginalized readers is knowing that there are others who experience the world in similar ways.
The historical tendencies to defne the identities of Asian Americans around stereotypical schemas like the overly sexualized Geisha or the dogeating “oriental” continues to muddy the waters and delay the realization of true representation for the Asian American community. However, the diverse narratives of Asian American authors and the enduring nature of their characters, stories, and truths provide a stage for the fastest growing minority population in the U.S. to fnally be heard.
Book Recommendations
Stories About the Asian American Identity
“On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong is an intimate work of fction that explores the implications of family history, the intersection of race and masculinity, and the lasting effects of trauma and violence. Written as a letter to his Vietnamese mother who cannot read, the narrator Little Dog attempts to forge a meaningful relationship despite the growing communication barrier. The novel follows Little Dog’s journey of self-discovery through his deeply emotional observations and poetic prose.
“How We Fall Apart” by Katie Zhao takes on dark academic themes as the story follows Nancy Luo, student at a prestigious preparatory school. After her best friend and top student at Sinclair Prep is found dead, Nancy and her friends are forced to confront their deepest secrets and traumas in their quest for the truth. Themes of this novel include familial pressure for success, racial identity, and struggles with mental health.
“Minor Feelings” by Cathy Park Hong explores the historical, psychological, and often personal complexities of the Asian American experience. As the daughter of Korean immigrants, Park describes the role that “minor feelings” have played in her perceptions of Self and their implications for other marginalized individuals within a racially conscious America. She uses her own encounters with discrimination and feelings of shame to provide insight and sometimes shocking commentary on the Asian American experience.
photos by/ Xinyue Li
design by/ Navya Nair
models/ Noah Sams & R uihan Zhang
