Disorienting Politics explores the economic, cultural, political, and ecological entanglements of China and the United States through 21st-century media artifacts, highlighting the concept of "Chimerica" and its impact on power relations and racialized Othering. It calls for a relational politics that acknowledges the multifarious interconnectivity between people, places, media, and environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2024
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Disorienting Politics mines 21st-century media artifacts, including films like "The Martian" and TV/streaming media shows such as "Firefly" and "House of Cards," to reveal the economic, cultural, political, and ecological entanglements between China and the United States. Yang examines how Chimerican media, originating in the US but transcending national boundaries in their production, circulation, and consumption, co-create the figure of rising China and expand a political imagination beyond the conventional ground of the nation. The book argues that the pervasive tendency among wide-ranging cultural producers to depict the Chinese state as a racialized Other in American media life diminishes the possibility of engaging transpacific entanglements as a basis for envisioning new political horizons. This othering of China not only results in overt racism against people of Asian descent but also impacts the wellbeing of people of color more generally. Disorienting Politics demonstrates the ways in which race is embedded in geopolitics even when the subject of discussion is not the people, but the (Chinese) state. It calls for a relational politics that acknowledges the multifarious interconnectivity between people, places, media, and environment.

Disorienting Politics: Mining 21st-Century Media Artifacts to Reveal the Economic, Cultural, Political, and Ecological Entanglements of China and the United States

Disorienting Politics is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary book that explores the complex and multifaceted relationships between China and the United States in the 21st century. Drawing on a wide range of media artifacts, including films, TV shows, and streaming media, the book examines how these transpacific entanglements are shaped by and perpetuate uneven power relations. The author, Yang, argues that the pervasive tendency among cultural producers to depict the Chinese state as a racialized Other in American media life diminishes the possibility of engaging transpacific entanglements as a basis for envisioning new political horizons. This othering of China not only results in overt racism against people of Asian descent but also impacts the wellbeing of people of color more generally. Disorienting Politics demonstrates the ways in which race is embedded in geopolitics even when the subject of discussion is not the people, but the (Chinese) state. It calls for a relational politics that acknowledges the multifarious interconnectivity between people, places, media, and environment.

Chimerica: The Co-Creation of Rising China and the Expansion of a Political Imagination

Yang's central argument is that Chimerican media, originating in the US but traversing national boundaries in their production, circulation, and consumption, co-create the figure of rising China and extend a political imagination beyond the conventional ground of the nation. Chimerican media is characterized by its ability to transcend national borders and engage with global audiences, and Yang argues that this co-creation of rising China is a key factor in shaping the political landscape of the 21st century. The book explores how Chimerican media has been used to promote economic growth, cultural exchange, and political stability in China, as well as to challenge the dominant narrative of China as a threat to the US. Yang also examines how Chimerican media has been used to promote a sense of belonging and identity among Chinese people living abroad, and how it has been used to shape public opinion and political discourse in the US.

The Othering of China in American Media Life

One of the key themes of Disorienting Politics is the othering of China in American media life. Yang argues that the pervasive tendency among cultural producers to depict the Chinese state as a racialized Other in American media life diminishes the possibility of engaging transpacific entanglements as a basis for envisioning new political horizons. This othering of China not only results in overt racism against people of Asian descent but also impacts the wellbeing of people of color more generally. Yang provides numerous examples of how this othering of China is manifested in American media, including the portrayal of Chinese people as exotic, dangerous, and inferior, the use of stereotypes and caricatures, and the exclusion of Chinese voices and perspectives from mainstream media. Yang argues that this othering of China is not only harmful to individuals but also to the broader society, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces existing power structures. Yang calls for a more inclusive and diverse media landscape that reflects the diversity of the world and that provides a platform for all voices to be heard.

The Impact of Othering China on the Wellbeing of People of Color

In addition to its impact on geopolitics, the othering of China in American media life also has a significant impact on the wellbeing of people of color. Yang argues that the othering of China perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces existing power structures, which can lead to discrimination and marginalization of people of color. For example, the portrayal of Chinese people as exotic, dangerous, and inferior can lead to negative perceptions and attitudes towards Chinese people, which can in turn lead to discrimination in employment, housing, and education. Yang also argues that the exclusion of Chinese voices and perspectives from mainstream media can lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, which can further contribute to the marginalization of people of color. Yang calls for a more inclusive and diverse media landscape that reflects the diversity of the world and that provides a platform for all voices to be heard.

Relational Politics and the Need for a Relational Approach to Geopolitics

Disorienting Politics calls for a relational politics that acknowledges the multifarious interconnectivity between people, places, media, and environment. Yang argues that the current geopolitical landscape is characterized by a lack of relationality and that this lack of relationality is a major contributor to the ongoing conflicts and crises that we see in the world. Yang proposes that a relational approach to geopolitics would involve recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and working towards creating a more just and equitable world. Yang provides numerous examples of how a relational approach to geopolitics can be applied to different issues, including climate change, migration, and human rights. Yang argues that a relational approach to geopolitics would require a shift in mindset and a willingness to work together across borders and cultures.

Conclusion

Disorienting Politics is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary book that explores the complex and multifaceted relationships between China and the United States in the 21st century. Drawing on a wide range of media artifacts, the book examines how these transpacific entanglements are shaped by and perpetuate uneven power relations. Yang's central argument is that Chimerican media, originating in the US but traversing national boundaries in their production, circulation, and consumption, co-create the figure of rising China and extend a political imagination beyond the conventional ground of the nation. The book also demonstrates the ways in which race is embedded in geopolitics even when the subject of discussion is not the people, but the (Chinese) state. Disorienting Politics calls for a relational politics that acknowledges the multifarious interconnectivity between people, places, media, and environment and that works towards creating a more just and equitable world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and interconnected world of the 21st century.

Weight: 313g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472056798