Analysis of the Myths, Photographs and Laws in China Men

Abstract

The presentation of myths, photographs and laws in China Men, thematically related to Chinese American immigration stories, is an important strategy to reconstruct Chinese American history. By citing photographs and presenting law, Kingston reclaims her male ancestors’ past and subverts the monologue of American official history. By rewriting myths, Kingston exposes the dilemma of Chinese Americans and deconstructs a series of American myths such as the myth of America as a melting pot, the myth of Gold Mountain, the myth of freedom and democracy; these myths provide a way for Kingston to write Chinese Americans into American history.