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Asian American history is important to acknowledge and know in order to step forward into reclaiming an Asian American identity and redefining an Asian American culture. In this thesis, I examine the Asian American diaspora and how it contributes to the creation of Asian American music within the context of popular media. Through my qualitative approach and interviews with Sarah Bernadette, Xuhao, Elise Go, and Kathy Zhao, I have learned that there is no clear official definition of what Asian American music is defined as. I discuss how Asian American music can be generalized into two overarching categories – one that is intentional in talking about an Asian American experience and still wanting to be accepted by all of society, and the other that focuses on liberating Asian Americans from an oppressor’s perspective and creating music specifically for Asian Americans. Through the readings of scholars and musicians, Oliver Wang, Deborah Wong, Diane C. Fujino, and Fred Ho, I have learned that it is important as people of color who are marginalized, to have a purpose in creating the art that we create. By taking current and past musicians and scholars, I evaluate what constitutes as Asian American music and the need for it today as forms of activism, expression on unique identities, and towards defining an Asian American culture.
Advisor: | Ghuman, Nalini |
Commitee: | Bernstein, David, Fei, James |
School: | Mills College |
Department: | Music - Electronic Music and Recording Media |
School Location: | United States -- California |
Source: | MAI 81/12(E), Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Music, Asian American Studies, Cultural anthropology |
Keywords: | Activism, Asian American, Diaspora, Intersectionality, Music, Popular media |
Publication Number: | 27993654 |
ISBN: | 9798607328948 |