What's Happening?
Historian Hannah Kim's new book, 'Ties That Bind: People and Perception in U.S. and Korean Transnational Relations, 1905–1965,' examines the evolving relationship between the United States and Korea, focusing on the significant, yet often overlooked,
role of Philadelphia. The book challenges traditional narratives of Korean American history, which typically center on Hawaii and California, by highlighting Philadelphia's influence through a series of case studies. Kim's work delves into how American perceptions of Korea and Koreans developed over several decades, exploring missionary work in Korea during Japanese colonialism, efforts by American Christian advocates for international adoption, and the importance of faith in the lives of a Korean American family facing tragedy. The book is structured around five key moments that generated significant public discourse about Korea in the U.S., including the 1912 mass arrest of Korean Christians by the Japanese colonial government, the 1919 Korean Independence Movement, Korean independence efforts during World War II, the rise of transnational adoption of Korean orphans in the 1950s, and the 1958 murder of a Korean exchange student in Philadelphia. Kim's research draws extensively from non-governmental archives, including church and missionary records, as well as local Philadelphia sources, to provide a nuanced understanding of these transnational interactions.
Why It's Important?
This book is important because it re-centers the narrative of U.S.-Korean relations and Asian American history, offering a fresh perspective by focusing on Philadelphia. By shifting the geographical focus from the West Coast, Kim reveals how a seemingly less obvious location played a crucial role in shaping American perceptions of Korea and its people. The study's emphasis on Christianity as a central mechanism for cultural exchange and political advocacy between the two nations provides a deeper understanding of the historical foundations of U.S.-Korean engagement. Furthermore, the book makes significant contributions to the understanding of the 'model minority' myth, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century, earlier than commonly attributed. This re-periodization highlights how American Orientalism and imperialism influenced the construction of racial stereotypes, positioning certain Asian groups as 'good' minorities in contrast to others. The detailed case studies, particularly the 1958 murder of In-Ho Oh, illustrate how local events in the U.S. had profound transnational implications and influenced broader societal views on race, immigration, and national identity.
What's Next?
The book's insights are expected to stimulate further research in Asian American history and U.S.-East Asian relations. Reviewers suggest that future studies could explore the voices and agency of Koreans within Korea, particularly women, and the complex relationships among Korean, American, and Japanese Christians. The book also opens avenues for examining Korean conservatism and its impact on the Korean American community, as well as the broader implications of the 'model minority' myth in contemporary society. The detailed archival work and the case-study approach encourage scholars to delve into local contexts to uncover transnational connections. Additionally, the book's findings are relevant for educators, as some U.S. states are mandating the inclusion of Asian American history in K-12 curricula. Kim's work provides valuable content and strategies for incorporating this history, addressing a significant deficit in teacher knowledge in this field and encouraging engagement with local schools.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond its historical analysis, 'Ties That Bind' delves into the ethical and cultural dimensions of how perceptions are formed and perpetuated across national boundaries. The book highlights the power of non-state actors, such as missionaries and religious institutions, in shaping public opinion and influencing foreign policy, often in ways that official diplomatic channels might not. It also implicitly raises questions about the long-term impact of historical narratives on contemporary issues, such as racial stereotypes and the integration of immigrant communities. The discussion of the 'model minority' myth, for instance, reveals how historical portrayals of Koreans as 'Christian, westernized, and lovers of democracy' contributed to a complex and sometimes problematic racial categorization that continues to affect Asian Americans. The book's exploration of the murder of In-Ho Oh underscores the enduring challenges of racial prejudice and the ways in which tragic events can be co-opted to serve broader societal narratives, prompting reflection on how communities grapple with identity, belonging, and justice.
