This paper is about the model of masculinity exhibited in the African American novelist Frank Yerby's historical novel The Dahomean (1971) which is a classic text for masculinity study but has been ignored. In a fl...This paper is about the model of masculinity exhibited in the African American novelist Frank Yerby's historical novel The Dahomean (1971) which is a classic text for masculinity study but has been ignored. In a flash-back narration, the novel tells us the legendary experience of Nyasanu in Africa before he becomes a slave in the south of America, portrays a well-rounded and authentic Black male character, and constructs a model of masculinity of great value for reference. The model of masculinity demonstrated by Nyasanu is no longer limited by the rigid and unitary stipulations of traditional gender concept. It is a model which integrates tenderness into toughness, combines physical power or military prowess with mental power or wisdom, and most importantly, a model that stresses men's agency and authenticity. At the same time, by the resentment of war and cherishement of life, this model of masculinity exhibits considerable ethical dimension and humanitarianism. It can be said that the model of masculinity inscribed in The Dahornean is of much enlightening importance for contemporary people to reflect upon the patriarchal culture and prevalent gender notions such as gender role concept. As for people's pursueing and constructing their ideal masculinity, the model of masculinity embodied in The Dahomean can be an important model for reference.展开更多
China's 2012 leadership change revealed signs of factional divide at the top level. The elitist/princeling faction has outnumbered the populist faction. Princelings have better and stronger ties with the military, wh...China's 2012 leadership change revealed signs of factional divide at the top level. The elitist/princeling faction has outnumbered the populist faction. Princelings have better and stronger ties with the military, which tends to have a more hawkish view regarding any potential Taiwan independence. In Taiwan, changing social experiences have created a new Taiwan Residents identity, which is dif- ferent from that of the Chinese. People in Taiwan are increasingly thinking of themselves as Taiwan Residents instead of Chinese. On the mainland, Chinese popular nationalism has been on the rise, as anti-Taiwan independence remains one of the most nationalistic issues. When the forces of new identity and nationalism meet each other, a diverging path regarding the future of Taiwan is being created. Moreover, China's economic and military power continues to rise, giving China more confidence. I argue that the overall effect is that China's new leadership will increasingly have the capability to act tougher against any potential Taiwan Residents independence. The potential need to act tougher with Taiwan may be beyond the desire and control of Chinese elites due to the rise of popular nationalism in China and the leadership's need to maintain internal legitimacy and survival.展开更多
文摘This paper is about the model of masculinity exhibited in the African American novelist Frank Yerby's historical novel The Dahomean (1971) which is a classic text for masculinity study but has been ignored. In a flash-back narration, the novel tells us the legendary experience of Nyasanu in Africa before he becomes a slave in the south of America, portrays a well-rounded and authentic Black male character, and constructs a model of masculinity of great value for reference. The model of masculinity demonstrated by Nyasanu is no longer limited by the rigid and unitary stipulations of traditional gender concept. It is a model which integrates tenderness into toughness, combines physical power or military prowess with mental power or wisdom, and most importantly, a model that stresses men's agency and authenticity. At the same time, by the resentment of war and cherishement of life, this model of masculinity exhibits considerable ethical dimension and humanitarianism. It can be said that the model of masculinity inscribed in The Dahornean is of much enlightening importance for contemporary people to reflect upon the patriarchal culture and prevalent gender notions such as gender role concept. As for people's pursueing and constructing their ideal masculinity, the model of masculinity embodied in The Dahomean can be an important model for reference.
文摘China's 2012 leadership change revealed signs of factional divide at the top level. The elitist/princeling faction has outnumbered the populist faction. Princelings have better and stronger ties with the military, which tends to have a more hawkish view regarding any potential Taiwan independence. In Taiwan, changing social experiences have created a new Taiwan Residents identity, which is dif- ferent from that of the Chinese. People in Taiwan are increasingly thinking of themselves as Taiwan Residents instead of Chinese. On the mainland, Chinese popular nationalism has been on the rise, as anti-Taiwan independence remains one of the most nationalistic issues. When the forces of new identity and nationalism meet each other, a diverging path regarding the future of Taiwan is being created. Moreover, China's economic and military power continues to rise, giving China more confidence. I argue that the overall effect is that China's new leadership will increasingly have the capability to act tougher against any potential Taiwan Residents independence. The potential need to act tougher with Taiwan may be beyond the desire and control of Chinese elites due to the rise of popular nationalism in China and the leadership's need to maintain internal legitimacy and survival.