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Virtual orientalism
Hardback
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- Book Synopsis
- Saffron-robed monks and long-haired gurus have become familiar characters on the American pop culture scene. Jane Iwamura examines the contemporary fascination with Eastern spirituality and provides a cultural history of the representation of Asian religions in American mass media. Initial engagements with Asian spiritual heritages were mediated by monks, gurus, bhikkhus, sages, sifus, healers, and masters from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and religious traditions. Virtual Orientalism shows the evolution of these interactions, from direct engagements with specific individuals, to mediated relations with a conventionalized icon. Visually and psychically compelling, the Oriental Monk becomes for Americans a ''figure of translation'' - a convenient symbol for alternative spiritualities and modes of being. Through the figure of the non-sexual, solitary Monk, who generously and purposefully shares his wisdom with the West, Asian religiosity is made manageable - psychologically, socially, and politically - for American popular culture.
- About The Author
- Jane Iwamura is Assistant Professor, School of Religion and Department of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California
- Product Details
-
- ISBN
- 9780199738601
- Format
- Hardback
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press, (10 February 2011)
- Number of Pages
- 214
- Weight
- 454 grams
- Language
- English
- Dimensions
- 160 x 231 x 20.3 mm
- Categories: