Keohane Distinguished Lecture: A Symphony, But With What Audience?: On the Need to Broaden the Reach of Asian American Studies
Asian American studies has advanced our understanding of not only Asian Americans but of race(ism), empire, settler colonialism and more. But who is paying attention? Is the field speaking to Asian Americans or merely about them? There are stark differences between the dominant discourses of the field and the popular portrayals of Asian Americans that resonate with the public. I argue that Asian American studies needs to intentionally speak to a broader audience, who conceive of Asian America in its privileged forms. To do that effectively, scholars must honor the achievements of many Asian Americans in a manner that advances, rather than conflicts with, the field's guiding perspectives.
EVENT DETAILS
Join Pawan Dhingra, Aliki Perroti and Seth Frank '55 Professor of U.S. Immigration Studies at Amherst College and the 2022-2023 Nannerl Keohane Distinguished Visiting Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, for the 2023 Keohane Distinguished Lecture at the Karsh Alumni & Visitors Center (2080 Duke University Rd, Durham, NC 27708) on January 19, 2023. A public reception will begin at 5:00 p.m. with the lecture starting at 6:00 and running until 7:15 p.m. (including Q&A).
This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the lot across from the Karsh Center.
ABOUT PAWAN DHINGRA
Dhingra is a renowned scholar of Asian American studies, inequality, immigration, race, identity and culture. The current president of the Association for Asian American Studies, Dhingra has authored several books on the Asian American experience, including "Hyper Education: Why Good Schools, Good Grades, and Good Behavior Are Not Enough," "Life Behind the Lobby: Indian American Motel Owners and the American Dream," and "Managing Multicultural Lives: Asian American Professionals and the Challenge of Multiple Identities." Dhingra also co-curated the Smithsonian Institution's exhibition "Beyond Bollywood: Asian Indian Americans Shape the Nation."
He serves as the Associate Provost and Associate Dean of the Faculty at Amherst College.
Learn more about the Keohane Professorship at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University: https://provost.duke.edu/policies-resources/awards-and-professorships/nannerl-keohane-distinguished-visiting-professorship.
