Week 10_Joshua Liu_ASA 114

Regina Lee's Theorizing Diasporas discusses how there are three main types of psychological states, or forms of consciousness. These states are the idealization of the homeland, boutique multicultural manifestation, and transitional/transformational identity politics. As I was reading Lee's work, I was particularly interested in the third psychological state. According to Lee, conceptualization diasporas as transitional or transformational states represents their informed integration with host societies. The major implication from this viewpoint is that it proves that the diasporas are constantly evolving. The dynamic nature of diaspora is mainly caused by the balance between where people are from, and where they are currently act. This is consistent with the discussions regarding transnationalism and globalization that we had earlier in the quarter. As both nations change, the experience of all members of a diaspora, regardless of age, will as well. As seen in the examples regarding Vietnamese culture, such as the Viet Kieu experience, or the Communist Flag controversies in the U.S., maintaining a balance between these two perspectives is a key factor in the diaspora.

Question: Will there ever be a point in time where the diaspora no longer has a dynamic nature that balances transitional/transformation identity politics?