Virtual Orientalism

Asian Religions and American Popular Culture
Erscheinungsjahr 2011
ISBN: 978-0-19-973861-8
Verlag: Oxford University Press

Buch, Englisch, 232 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 360 g

Saffron-robed monks and long-haired gurus have become familiar characters on the American pop culture scene. Jane Iwamura examines the contemporary fascination with Eastern spirituality and provides a cultural history of the representation of Asian religions in American mass media. Initial engagements with Asian spiritual heritages were mediated by monks, gurus, bhikkhus, sages, sifus, healers, and masters from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and religious
traditions. Virtual Orientalism shows the evolution of these interactions, from direct engagements with specific individuals, to mediated relations with a conventionalized icon. Visually and psychically compelling, the Oriental Monk becomes for Americans a ''figure of translation'' - a convenient symbol
for alternative spiritualities and modes of being. Through the figure of the non-sexual, solitary Monk, who generously and purposefully shares his wisdom with the West, Asian religiosity is made manageable - psychologically, socially, and politically - for American popular culture.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Iwamura, Jane Naomi

Iwamura, Jane

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Hinduismus
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Spezielle Soziologie Freizeitsoziologie, Konsumsoziologie, Alltagssoziologie, Populärkultur
• Geisteswissenschaften Theater- und Filmwissenschaft | Andere Darstellende Künste Filmwissenschaft, Fernsehen, Radio
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Buddhismus

Über Autor(innen)

Assistant Professor, School of Religion and Department of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California