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Title "Reading The Khmer American Identity: A Feminist Analysis of Gender in Anthony Veasna SO’S Short Fiction"

Author(s) Aruba Ali

Abstract Khmer American identity refers to the distinct cultural, ethnic, and traditional identity of individuals descending from Cambodia and residing in America. Khmer American identity is a performance-based identity therefore the present research explores the performance of gendered identity in Khmer American society as well as the punishment faced by individuals for not performing their gender as expected by the society. It further explores how this performance brings forth culturally reinforced kinds of discrimination against women to highlight the plight of women who are treated as inferior beings because of their gender. The study uses selected short stories from Anthony Veasna So’s short fiction titled Afterparties: Stories as its primary text to explore these phenomena and bring forth an understanding of the construction and reconstruction of gendered identity in Khmer American society that carries the weight of its bleak history in the form of genocide. The theoretical position has been formulated in light of the feminist lens of Judith Butler and Susan Moller Okin (1988; 1999), primarily focusing on the performance of gendered identity, culturally reinforced kinds of discrimination against women, and the enforced punishment for deviating from the expected ways of performing. Through this feminist research, one gains deeper insights into the patriarchal and traditional values and belief systems of Khmer American society, leading to the subjugation and entrapment of women. It also sheds light on the stronghold of Khmer cultural values on the lives of second-generation Cambodian immigrants in America. The research is, thus, a significant piece of writing for its contribution to Cambodian American and Southeast Asian literature as well as its role in highlighting a fresh piece of work published posthumously.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2024-06-07

Subject Literature

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