Presentation 5 Reflection (Transnational Diasporic Experiences)

Mimi Dao

ASA 150E

Transnational diasporic experiences entail the concept of individuals migrating to a new country but still maintaining deep roots to the homeland.  There is actually a difference in the terms “transnationalism” and “diaspora”.  Transnationalism is the process of moving to a new country and adapting to the new customs along with having multiple linkages to the homeland.  Diaspora also contains the concept of moving to a new country and having connections to the homeland, but the individual does not fully adapt.  Instead, the diasporic individual feels a displacement and does not feel a sense of “home” or belong to either country.  For this week’s theme of transnational diasporic experiences, Justin, Linda, Trieu, and Melissa presented their research on four different topics.  I thought it was very interesting to see that each presenter had a different topic to present that related to the transnational diasporic experiences.  I think these presentations hit it home that affects of the Viet Nam war has resulted in several transnational diasporic experiences for the Southeast Asian community.

            A strong concept to relate to transnationalism and diaspora is also globalization.  Globalization is the interconnectedness of the world due to communication, transportation, and economy.  Trieu related his research topic to the concept of globalization through his presentation of relations between China and Vietnam.  On an economic stand point, China has many connections to Vietnam.  Through those connections, China has the intentions of expanding and making their nation more prosperous and powerful.  Vietnam is not in favor of this domination and expansion, so many go on strikes and protest to attempt further expansion.  Since protesting is not allowed in Vietnam, protestors are arrested and put in jail.  This shows a huge lack of freedom of speech and an actual forced silencing upon the Vietnamese citizens.  I thought Trieu’s presentation was okay but he presented a lot of background information just on the affects of China’s affects on Vietnam and there was not a lot of analysis or inference of findings.  It was hard to follow what his was true research was.  How can you narrow down findings for a cohesive research paper?

            Linda presented her research topic on how the variety show “Paris By Night” helps maintain culture within Vietnamese families resided in the United States.  “Paris By Night” is an American production that broadcasts Vietnamese music and skits.  I thought Linda has a very precise and informative with her presentation.  She well off in her research findings and basically has set for her paper.  It was a little overwhelming to take in all of Linda’s findings all at once and I felt like she could have shortened it so it could have been easier for the audience to absorb all the information.  I think it was smart of Linda to choose such a research topic for her paper because it closely relates to her dynamics at home.

            Justin presented his research topic on queer and gay discrimination in the Southeast Asian community.  He presented the movie “Hot Boy Noi Loan” which shined light on the queer and gay experience in Vietnam.  We were able to see experience of a new view on how the queer community is treated in our homeland in comparison of queer experience in America.  He was also able to tie in transnational relations to his research topic of how the title “Hot Boy Noi Loan” is translated into “Lost in Paradise” which is not accurate what so ever.  I think Justin as a strong hold on his research and paper

            Melissa presented her research of transnationalism of Confucianism through the Chinese originated beliefs and influences on Vietnamese women.  I think it is very intriguing to see how the Confucius beliefs have translated upon on Vietnamese women on how to behave. There are present resistances on these beliefs.  I find the research concept promising.