Asian American / Asian Research Institute
The City University of New York
The Buddha, an apostle of peace, amity and love appeared on earth in the sixth century before Christ. He was not represented in iconic form till the advent of the Christian era. His devotees worshipped the lord only through the symbols. The pre-Christian art in India as carved on pillars of the stupa or the … Read more
Striped Zebra: The Immigrant Psyche is a presentation on the forthcoming research volume on the subject of migration. The metaphor of Striped Zebra postulates that – upon migration – an immigrant’s mind assumes a “dyadic” structure, in which two parallel streams of thought run side by side. One of these, called the “Seed” values is … Read more
This panel discussion will discuss the history of “Paper Sons” and the impact this phenomenon had on family relationships within the Chinese community during the 20 th Century. The panel will also explore how the secretive “Paper Son” system has affected the cultural and political roles of Chinese Americans today. Paper sons were Chinese immigrants … Read more
“Raw Silk,” is a deeply moving collection from a poet who crosses borders New York City poet Meena Alexander was born in Allahabad , India and divided her childhood between India and the Sudan . From her cross-cultural perspective Alexander writes with moving intensity of post-September 11 events as she evokes violence and civil strife, … Read more
Hsuan Tsang, the famous Chinese monk from the Tang dynasty, traveled from China to India to learn Yogacara Buddhism. He crossed deserts, mountains, rivers and spent eighteen years before his triumphant return to his country and began the daunting task of translating the sutras and commentaries that he brought back. One of the most important … Read more
Ethnic stereotypes and their commercial exploitation hinder the socioeconomic advancement of immigrants and ethnics. Over the past three decades I have studied, and photographed, a wide range of internationally recognized ethnic neighborhoods where one finds ethnic festivals and more mundane spectacles. “Chinatown” and “Little Italy” are two of many genres of commercial precincts or what … Read more