‘Too Asian?’ On racism, paradox and ethno-nationalism

Abstract

This essay examines the controversial ‘Too Asian?’ article published by Canada's premiere news magazine in 2010 as a case study of media and education in order to produce a sharper analytical grammar of race in liberal, multicultural societies. I argue that the article recycles racial stereotypes, perpetuates the normalization of whiteness and the mythology of meritocracy, and enacts irresponsible journalism. I situate its representation of Asians within a historical context, and delineate their paradoxical subjectivity as an un/wanted racialized minority group. Asians are desired as immigrants, workers and students when they benefit Canada's economic imperatives, but are disavowed when they challenge the sociocultural status quo. I also develop the concept of ethno-nationalism as a form of anti-racist resistance when racialized minorities identify with the White-dominant nation-state in their claim for inclusion. However, I raise concerns regarding ethno-nationalism's limitation for pan-Asian solidarity and for the advancement of a marginalized group at the expense of another.