In a Chinese Time of My Life: Appreciation or Appropriation?

Author: Angela Lu

Field of Study: Undeclared

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Christopher Robbins

Easel: 3

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: As I scroll through my social media feeds, it seems that everyone is “in a very Chinese time of their life,” sharing their new habits that “make them Chinese.” Watching this switch from hating Chinese people, to suddenly wanting to become Chinese, feels very isolating, as does the oversimplification of a very rich culture while ICE raids continue around the country. I plan to build upon the works of James Turrell, WochenKlauser, and Mel Chin, constructing an immersive environment that portrays how social media trends reshape cultural identity, and highlighting disconnects between representation and lived experience. I will build a room-like structure that utilizes darkness to emulate my experience of isolation. Inside, a computer will play an animated commentary video with a pair of headphones. Rather than blaming people for participating in the trend, or calling out cultural appropriation, I will offer a personal perspective of these trends.