Sue Yon Kim – Department of English
This presentation explores how a transnational perspective shifts popular understandings of Asian American immigrants and immigration by providing space to consider dynamic modes of minority representation. In particular, Kim focuses on the representation of Asian American immigrants—a phrase that subverts notions of the “model minority” but may simultaneously evoke stereotypical and unfavorable understandings of yet other marginalized populations. Last year, Kim’s research on Asian American immigrants, supported in part by the Center for the Humanities Grant, led her to engage in field work in Los Angeles, California. She conducted in-person interviews and made site-visits to restaurant kitchens, department stores, and medical clinics in Koreatown. Additionally, the research trip included archival research that focused on the lived experiences of Asian American immigrants at the turn of the century who also demonstrate patterns of transnationality which will be highlighted in the presentation.
This presentation explores how a transnational perspective shifts popular understandings of Asian American immigrants and immigration by providing space to consider dynamic modes of minority representation. In particular, Kim focuses on the representation of Asian American immigrants—a phrase that subverts notions of the “model minority” but may simultaneously evoke stereotypical and unfavorable understandings of yet other marginalized populations. Last year, Kim’s research on Asian American immigrants, supported in part by the Center for the Humanities Grant, led her to engage in field work in Los Angeles, California. She conducted in-person interviews and made site-visits to restaurant kitchens, department stores, and medical clinics in Koreatown. Additionally, the research trip included archival research that focused on the lived experiences of Asian American immigrants at the turn of the century who also demonstrate patterns of transnationality which will be highlighted in the presentation.
Watch a recording of Kim’s talk on our YouTube channel.