Minor Feelings

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Asian Americans occupy a unique and often overlooked position in discussions of racial identity, being neither fully embraced by whiteness nor blackness. While they are often stereotyped as high-achieving professionals, the reality is that this group is economically diverse, spanning from affluent tech entrepreneurs to service industry workers. Cathy Park Hong, a poet and essayist, tackles this complex subject with courage and insight, merging memoir, cultural critique, and historical context to reveal the nuances of racial consciousness in America. Central to her exploration is the concept of "minor feelings," which she defines as the emotional turmoil stemming from the dissonance between American optimism and personal reality. As the daughter of Korean immigrants, Hong reflects on her upbringing marked by shame and melancholy, ultimately recognizing how these feelings manifest in her understanding of her racial identity. With wit and a poet's introspection, she delves into her experiences with language, shame, depression, and the bonds of family and friendship. This deeply personal and incisive work offers a profound examination of one Asian American's psyche and the broader quest for truth in the context of racial identity.