Bindi and Said

In the article “Laotian Daughter” by Bindi V. Shah, there are many topics mentioned about the formation of Laotian identity within the American society.  One specifically talks about individuals claim their identity by engaging in the cultural embarks such as ceremonies, languages, dance, music and history.  However, this does not really exemplify their authenticity of their claiming because they associate with the activities that are imported.  In other words, their perception of their ethnic culture represent the original culture that is imported rather than created in the encounter of the U.S. society.  Speaking from experience, I resonate with the process of claiming that I am Laotian American.  Part of being an American is due to legal aspect of it.  Since I was born here, I am legally a citizen of the United States so I feel obligated to claim this identity.  AS for my Laotian identity, the reason it is part of my dialogue due to my family’s homeland.  Moreover, I want to create my own identity here in America.  If I were to say I am only an “American,” I know I won’t be accepted because I don’t look American.  I automatically is seen as a foreigner due to my phenotypes. 

In addition, the article consists of narratives above filial piety and intergenerational conflict which is a common narrative in Asian American community.  These narratives masked the “other” narratives that contributes to Asian American experiences.  Besides the common narratives, there are also experiences with gender relation and sexism.  Specifically, females are expected due represent culture and still get the bad end of the sticks.  They are on the bottom of family hierarchy.  Yet they are supposed to keep the family together via cleaning, taking care of siblings, and cooking.   

                  In the video, Edward Said mentions the origin and the effects of the term Orientalism.  This term is used as an opposition to the West.  For instance, the West is seen as developed, civilized and technological and the Orient is seen as mysterious, exotic, underdeveloped, and backward.  So these fixed perception has continuously passed down from one generation to another.  Said mentions that the media representation of Orient only shows one perception of the Orients.  They show them as wild and savages and people who are constantly destroying property.  Instead of showing the daily life of the Orients, the west provides a negative perception of the east.  This gives them an excuse to take control and power of the countries who are labeled as “East,” or Orients.