Min Jin Lee, celebrated author of "Pachinko" and "Free Food for Millionaires," dives deep into the complexities of Asian American identity and the immigrant experience. She discusses the political implications of the term 'Asian American' and critiques the model minority stereotype. The conversation touches on societal pressures, the challenges of generational aspirations, and the importance of storytelling in addressing cultural identity. Lee also shares insights on recent political events, adding her unique perspectives on advocacy and community.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Fairytale America
Min Jin Lee arrived in the U.S. at age seven, expecting a fairytale scene like Cinderella, with stagecoaches and ball gowns.
She was disappointed to find JFK airport looked much like Seoul, but with more non-Korean people.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Chicken Curry Thanksgiving
Preet Bharara recalls feeling embarrassed as a child for having chicken curry on Thanksgiving instead of the traditional turkey.
He felt pressure to conform to American customs, even though his family's tradition was different.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Childhood Bullying and Advocacy
Both Preet Bharara and Min Jin Lee were bullied as children but never told their parents.
Lee felt she had to be her own advocate, a feeling stemming from her parents' inability to navigate the American school system.
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Free Food for Millionaires is Min Jin Lee's debut novel, published in 2007. It follows Casey Han, a strong-willed daughter of Korean immigrants, as she strives to join Manhattan's elite while dealing with her family's expectations and her own financial struggles. The novel explores themes of intergenerational strife, immigrant struggles, and social mobility in a city marked by stark contrasts between wealth and poverty.
Justice
What's the Right Thing to Do?
Michael Sandel
In this book, Michael J. Sandel delves into various theories of justice, including utilitarianism, libertarianism, and the philosophies of Aristotle, Kant, and Rawls. He applies these theories to contemporary legal and political controversies, encouraging readers to think critically about complex issues and to engage in a more robust and thoughtful public discourse. The book is based on Sandel's renowned Harvard course and aims to help readers make sense of politics, morality, and their own convictions.
Pachinko
Allison Hiroto
Min Jin Lee
This novel follows the story of Sunja, a young Korean woman, and her family as they navigate the challenges of living as immigrants in Japan from the early 1900s to the late 1980s. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty, set against the backdrop of significant historical events including World War II and the Korean War. It delves into the experiences of discrimination, cultural identity, and the struggles of everyday life for Korean families in Japan.
Min Jin Lee is one of the most celebrated authors of our time. She wrote Free Food for Millionaires and Pachinko, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Lee, who is Korean American, often writes about Asian American identity and the immigrant experience. Preet spoke with Lee about the political value of “Asian American” as a category, the problem with the debate over affirmative action, and her famously rigorous research process.
Plus, analysis of the upcoming January 6 Committee hearings, a grand jury indictment of the Buffalo supermarket shooter, and how Donald Trump could become Speaker of the House.
In the bonus for CAFE Insiders, Lee discusses the politics of hard work, and what makes someone a “functioning introvert.” To listen, try the membership for just $1 for one month: cafe.com/insider.
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