Baylor prof offers resources for learning more about Asian and Pacific American heritage
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States each May — but since Baylor students are usually focused on final exams and then headed off for summer then, the university celebrates the month from mid-October to mid-November each year. Regardless of the dates, it’s a good time for celebrating the contributions, heritage and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Dr. Jonathan Tran is an associate professor in Baylor’s Department of Religion, winner of the 2017 Collins Outstanding Professor Award, and author of Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism, new this fall from Oxford University Press. We asked him to share some resources with the Baylor Family for those who are wanting to learn more about Asian and Pacific American heritage and culture; he suggested the books, films, websites and other resources below.
“Most people don’t know Asian-American history, or don’t think Asian Americans experience racism,” says Tran. “And it’s not clear at what point Asian Americans will find their footing in the national conversation… You walk around campus, and there are thousands of Asian Americans — but they’re among the most invisible student groups on campus… As much as we can amplify their voice and their presence, it’s hugely helpful.”
Books:
- Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning (Cathy Park Hong)
- The Loneliest Americans (Jay Caspian Kang)
- The Lowland (Jhumpa Lahiri)
- The Making of Asian America: A History (Erika Lee)
- The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker (Eric Liu)
- The Refugees (Viet Thanh Nguyen)
- American Born Chinese (Gene Luen Yang)
- Crying in H Mart: A Memoir (Michelle Zauner)
- (Looking for more novels? Tran suggests this list.)
Films & documentaries:
- Asian Americans (PBS)
- Blue Bayou
- Columbus
- Gook
- The Joy Luck Club
- Minari
- The Namesake
- Seadrift
- Tigertail
- A Village Called Versailles
Podcast:
You can hear more from Tran in recent interviews on the Baylor Connections, Faith Angle and Living God’s Future Now podcasts, and in this recording from Princeton Seminary’s 2021 Asian American Theology Conference.
Sic ’em, Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month!
