This paper traces the social limitations in the development of Asian American literature. The label ＂Asian American literature＂ is so instrumental in instituting the literature, can also regulate creativity. As a st...This paper traces the social limitations in the development of Asian American literature. The label ＂Asian American literature＂ is so instrumental in instituting the literature, can also regulate creativity. As a strategic term and group identification, ＂Asian American＂ lends itself to the illusion of unity and homogeneity. Scholars differ in the way they elect to demarcate Asian American literature. One of the fundamental barriers to understanding and appreciating Asian American literary expression has been the existence of race stereotypes about Asians in American popular culture. For many Asian American writers, ethnic authenticity is a necessary but weak choice Most early immigrant writers write to challenge the negative view of Asia in the West and see themselves as ambassadors of goodwill to the West. The purpose is to mark difference as exotica and appeal to the benign curiosity of the Western readers while appeal to notions of universal humanity. This type of strong ethnic quotient writing continues to exist in various guises even today. The trade publishers have a predilection for Asian American personal narratives that stress the ＂model minority＂ discourse, ＂good workers＂ image, and Asian Americans＇ ability to accommodate to the basic rules of American society. Asian American writers never stop attempting to build bridges. But we should remind ourselves that boundary crossing must not be merely an aesthetic and intellectual exercise .展开更多
文摘This paper traces the social limitations in the development of Asian American literature. The label ＂Asian American literature＂ is so instrumental in instituting the literature, can also regulate creativity. As a strategic term and group identification, ＂Asian American＂ lends itself to the illusion of unity and homogeneity. Scholars differ in the way they elect to demarcate Asian American literature. One of the fundamental barriers to understanding and appreciating Asian American literary expression has been the existence of race stereotypes about Asians in American popular culture. For many Asian American writers, ethnic authenticity is a necessary but weak choice Most early immigrant writers write to challenge the negative view of Asia in the West and see themselves as ambassadors of goodwill to the West. The purpose is to mark difference as exotica and appeal to the benign curiosity of the Western readers while appeal to notions of universal humanity. This type of strong ethnic quotient writing continues to exist in various guises even today. The trade publishers have a predilection for Asian American personal narratives that stress the ＂model minority＂ discourse, ＂good workers＂ image, and Asian Americans＇ ability to accommodate to the basic rules of American society. Asian American writers never stop attempting to build bridges. But we should remind ourselves that boundary crossing must not be merely an aesthetic and intellectual exercise .
