Michael Luo, the Executive Editor of The New Yorker and author of "Strangers in the Land," discusses the complex history and experiences of Chinese Americans. He examines themes of exclusion and belonging, revealing how societal attitudes contribute to feelings of alienation. Luo shares insights about Asian American churches navigating multiethnicity and reflects on his relationship with Tim Keller, highlighting the intersection of faith and media. The conversation sheds light on the cultural cycles of backlash and inclusivity throughout American history, urging listeners to confront these issues.
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Confronting Racism After Church
Michael Luo confronted a woman who told him to "go back to China" while pushing his daughter's stroller after church.
This moment sparked a viral conversation and inspired him to write about Asian American experiences and otherness.
insights INSIGHT
The "Perpetual Foreignness" Concept
Asian Americans often experience "perpetual foreignness" despite long U.S. histories.
Cultural narratives oversimplify race as only black and white, sidelining Asian American identities.
insights INSIGHT
The Model Minority Myth Masks Complexity
Model minority myths mask vast income inequality and diverse experiences among Asian Americans.
Economic downturns and political moments expose the persistent precarity of Asian Americans' belonging.
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In this book, Arlie Russell Hochschild travels from her liberal hometown of Berkeley, California, to the conservative heartland of Louisiana to understand the rise of the Tea Party movement. She profiles individuals such as Mike Schaff, a former oil industry worker whose town was devastated by a drilling accident, and Lee Sherman, who suffered from toxic waste dumping. Hochschild seeks to overcome the 'empathy wall' between liberals and conservatives by exploring the deep emotional and social reasons behind their political views, including feelings of loss, anger, and a sense of betrayal. The book provides a nuanced understanding of why people might vote against their apparent self-interest and argues for the possibility of mutual compassion and understanding between the right and the left.
Interior Chinatown
Charles Yu
In 'Interior Chinatown,' Charles Yu tells the story of Willis Wu, who perceives himself as merely a 'Generic Asian Man' in his own life. Working as a bit player in the fictional police procedural 'Black and White,' Willis dreams of becoming 'Kung Fu Guy,' the most respected role available to someone of his appearance. The novel, written in the format of a screenplay, delves into themes of pop culture, assimilation, and immigration, while critiquing the pervasive stereotypes and racism faced by Asian Americans. As Willis stumbles into the spotlight, he discovers the secret history of Chinatown and the buried legacy of his own family, leading to a profound exploration of identity and the American dream[1][3][5].
What can the lives and trials of our Asian American neighbors teach the rest of us?
Michael Luo, executive editor of The New Yorker and author of the new book Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America,joins Mooreto talk about our country’s treatment of its Chinese residents, which drew Luo to trace his own family’s path to the United States.
Moore and Luo discuss not only American sentiments toward the Chinese populations but also the ways our country deals with perceived strangers, the unique challenges of Asian American churches grappling with whether to become multiethnic, Luo’s experience of being a Christian in secular media spaces, and the ways his friendship with Tim Keller informed his view of Keller’s unique gifts and legacy.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include:
The Russell Moore Show 
