Week 3_Julie Guan_ASA114

Week 3 Blog

    This week’s readings, “Lived Simultaneity and Discourses of Diasporic Differences” by Nina Schiller and “Diaspora, Transnationalism, and Asian American Studies: Positions and Debates” by Christopher Lee, are analysis of other works that connect the topic of diasporas with the process of transnationalism. In Schiller’s piece, she explores, “how a comparison of Anderson, Dorais, and Maira’s description of the settlement of Asian migrants revisits the conceptualization of Asian diasporic identities and moves us beyond the essentialized concept of diaspora” (Schiller 160). By looking at diasporas the concept of transnationalism can also be demonstrated, for example, migrant populations demonstrate transnational ties through the use of technology by connecting to their homelands. Moreover, those in the diaspora can demonstrate “transnational connections” by showing a strong sense of identification to that of their homelands in which Schiller describes as, “long-distance nationalism” which links the issues going on in their homelands and forming a type of diasporic consciousness (Schiller 164). This week’s readings are connected because Schiller highlights the importance of diasporas and the process of transnationalism and Lee uses that established connection between transnationalism and diasporas to argue that through the study of the field of Asian American Studies one is studying transnationalism. Additionally, the study of diasporas and transnationalism is vital in the study of Asian American culture and experiences by linking “culture, foreign policy, imperialism, and global economics” (Lee 27). These works relate to the class and the topic of the week by placing emphasis on the notion of “space” and how there everything is connected and happens in the same space, especially with the development of technology. These concepts are also relevant currently because those apart of the diaspora can demonstrate a connection to homeland culture through the use of the internet. For instance, the internet allows me to connect to the culture of my home country through dramas, reality shows, and music. 

Question: Schiller’s piece mentions the notion of “double belonging” (Schiller 165) but do Asian Americans and other diaspora groups actually feel a sense of belonging in both the host and home country? 

 

Chinese idol group Nine Percent demonstrates transnationalism through their fans that are part of the Chinese diaspora in the United States even though they're not that well known due to their online presence on sites like Youtube 

Works Cited:

Christopher Lee. “Diaspora, Transnationalism, and Asian American Studies: Positions and Debates.” Displacements.

Nina Glick Schiller. “Lived Simultaneity and Discourses of Diasporic Difference.” Displacement.

https://www.hotpot.tv/news/chinese-boy-band-nine-percent-celebrates-1st-year-debut-anniversary