In a thoughtful and stimulating contribution to the current debate about the meaning to the larger society of multiculturalism, Gary Okihiro explores the significance of Asian Americans in American history and culture. In six provocative and engaging essays he examines the Asian American experience from the perspectives of historical consciousness, race, gender, class, and culture. While exploring anew the meanings of Asian American social history, the book argues that the core values and ideals of the nation emanate today not from the so-called mainstream but from the margins, from among Asian and African Americans, Latinos and American Indians, and women. Those groups in their struggles for equality, have helped to preserve and advance the founders' ideals and have made America a more democratic place for all.
Gary Okihiro, in his book "Margin as Mainstream", examines the margins of historical consciousness, race, gender, class and culture of Asians by widening the discourse in a compelling and scholarly way. Okihiro offers these crucial viewpoints to gain a deeper understanding and a clearer perspective on the mainstream of America today. Okihiro suggests that the mainstream is neither uniform nor all-powerful but actually derives its identity from its representation of its "Other". Okihiro encompases the "other" marginalized groups such as African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, women, gays & lesbians in his book but focuses on how Asians have helped to redefine the meaning of the American identity and to expand it beyond the narrower idea of only white and black. In this wonderful contribution to Asian American studies, historical and legal scholars and Asians in general, Okihiro aptly surfaces and dives into the struggles of Asians in America in how it has helped preserve and advance the principles and ideals of democracy and thereby making America a freer place for all. A good read!
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