Asian Diaspora Cultural Studies: Epistemologies of Historical Exclusion, Political Activism, and Curriculum Possibilities

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Asian diaspora cultural workers explore Asian diaspora cultural studies inherent in six programs of inquiry into Asian diaspora existence in Asia and the United States. Drawing upon decolonizing and deimperializing theoretical and methodological traditions, Asian diaspora cultural studies purposefully work against orientalized, imperialized, racialized, gendered, classed, and other intersected oppressions. The trajectories of these inquiries focus on theories and methodologies engaged by Asian diaspora cultural workers living/exploring Asian diaspora lives. With unfaltering commitment to humility, solidarity, and justice, these cultural workers trouble theoretical and methodological traditions and challenge imperialized and colonized ways of theorizing and engaging in, interpreting, and writing about cultural phenomena. Decolonizing and deimperializing theoretical traditions, forms of inquiry, and modes of representation will be explored.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Issues in Curriculum and Cultural Studies

Chair

• Suniti Sharma, Saint Joseph's University

Papers

• Unlocking the Silence of Asian American Cultural Histories in Curriculum Knowledge: Memory-Work as Educational Equity - Suniti Sharma, Saint Joseph's University

• Embracing Transnational Funds of Knowledge in Asian-American Children’s Literature - Min Yu, Wayne State University; Chenlu Jin, Michigan State University; Jungmin Kwon, Michigan State University

• When Invisible Means Inaudible: Asian Diasporas/Americans in Music Education - Richard C. Miller, University of Nevada - Las Vegas; Katrina Liu, University of Nevada - Las Vegas; Zhiyong Zhong, Minzu University of China

• Dances of Asian Diasporas: Performing, Choreographing, Collaborating, and Documenting Asian Diaspora Experiences - Dinny Risri Aletheiani, Yale University

• Asian Diaspora Futurities Through Asian Diaspora Music, Visual and Performing Arts, Literature, and Films - Ming Fang He, Georgia Southern University

Discussants

• Suniti Sharma, Saint Joseph's University

• Ming Fang He, Georgia Southern University