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171. Asia: Cultural Appreciation or Appropriation? Sponsored by Committee for Teaching About Asia (CTA)

Sat, March 18, 8:30 to 10:30am, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Floor: Mezzanine, Linden

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

: Educators who teach about Asia are increasingly challenged by students to consider issues of cultural appropriation. Many AAS members teach about cultures that are not our own and: work with students from the cultures we teach. We are about, educating students to understand the “other” as well as themselves. How and what are we doing to navigate these potentially difficult conversations? What can we do to improve our pedagogy and curricula to include more diverse perspectives and get beyond the master narrative

Imperialism in Asia and racism towards peoples of Asian descent, impact our field, which was after all formerly known as Oriental Studies. How do we understand the challenges we face to study and teach about Asia? Should we seek to develop appreciation of Asian cultures and societies or just knowledge about Asia? When might we be inappropriately appropriating the experiences of others?

Was it justifiable for the Boston Museum of Art to encourage visitors to put on a kimono and take selfies next to Monet's “La Japonaise”? Was serving the Asian inspired food in the cafeteria at Oberlin College culturally insensitive or just lousy food? When if ever is cultural appropriation appropriate? What roles do imperialism, race/ethnic/cultural privilege, power, and ownership play? How do we take opportunities like the film The Great Wall with Matt Damon to educate about whitewashing and about China?

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