ASA 141
Week 10
In the article "Asian On My Mind", Thuy Linh Nguyen talks about how Asian American culture has always been "partly inherited, partly modified, and partly invented". Logically, this makes sense as Asian Americans are a part of two identities: Asian and American. One would think that the Asian culture has a greater influence; however, Nguyen suggests otherwise. She says the modifications are drawn from "various other streams of internationalism"-- not just Asia. This suggests that many Asian artists are whitewashing themselves.
Personally, I believe this makes sense. Just because these designers are Asian does not mean they are limited to designs based off that part of their history. They are American as well and grew up surrounded by Western fashion. They should not be excluded from doing so. It should not come as a shock as well. I understand how some may come to believe that Asian Americans are losing their roots, but who are they to define their roots in the first place? My mom is Indian-Pakistani and my dad is Nepali but I was born and raised in the U.S. I should not be restricted to one culture, one history. Am I supposed to identify with only one of the three when in reality, all three make me who I am today? That being said, I think my culture is beautiful and I love taking inspiration from it. I would never turn my back on it. This is why I adore when Asian American designers fuse both Asian and Western fashion to create their masterpieces.
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