Disciplined by Race: Theological Ethics and the Problem of Asian American Identity

What does it mean to be Asian American? Should Asian American identity be construed primarily in cultural terms or racial terms? And why should contemporary theology care about such questions? Disciplined by Race: Theological Ethics and the Problem of Asian American Identity reveals the critical importance of Asian American experience for contemporary theological debates on race. The book challenges readers to move beyond conventional perceptions of Asian Americans as model minorities and to confront the ways in which Asian Americans are socially restrained by whiteness. Rather than being insulated from the logics of white racism in the modern United States, being Asian American is tragically defined by those logics. Coming to grips with how Asian Americans are disciplined by race reveals the prospects for Asian American self-determination and raises the question of whether resistance to the social demands and allure of whiteness is realistically possible, for Asian Americans and non-Asian Americans alike. "Joining the growing voices of scholars in Asian American Christian ethics, a nascent discipline within Asian American theology, Ki Joo Choi offers a fresh and highly nuanced social analysis and in-depth ethical reflection on nebulous topics of Asian American identity, race, and culture. Adding new insights and clarity in understanding Asian American experiences of racialization, this book is a wonderful resource for religious scholars and students who are interested in critical race theory." --Hak Joon Lee, Lewis B. Smedes Professor of Christian Ethics, Fuller Theological Seminary "Disciplined by Race is provocative and challenging--also personal, eloquent, and inspiring. White people may recognize our culture of 'white supremacy,' but fail to 'get' how it really works. Obvious 'anti-blackness' feeds off the myth of a 'model minority' that homogenizes and distances Asian-Americans. Choi calls to all marginalized by whiteness, calls out white 'tolerance,' and calls forth a new kind of solidarity against our country's entrenched racism. A unique and powerful book!" --Lisa Sowle Cahill, J. Donald Monan Professor, Boston College "In this highly readable book, a leading Asian American Christian ethicist, Ki Joo Choi, offers a definitive answer to the question: What does it mean to be Asian American in a deeply racialized society? Readers will discover a thoughtful, authentic, and courageous voice, which Asian Americans are called to live out in their everyday struggles, challenges, and joys. This book is an impressive achievement, full of insightful stories and critical reflections." --Ilsup Ahn, Carl I. Lindberg Professor of Philosophy at North Park University Ki Joo Choi is an associate professor of theological ethics and chair of the Department of Religion at Seton Hall University. Read more