Cathy Park Hong
Cathy Park Hong is a distinguished Korean-American poet, essayist, and professor known for her innovative literary works that challenge traditional forms and confront complex issues of race, identity, and language. Born in Los Angeles, Hong earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and has since published several critically acclaimed books, including 'Engine Empire' and 'Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning,' which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her writing merges poetry with socio-political commentary, exploring the intersection of personal experiences with larger cultural landscapes. Hong's distinctive voice and bold exploration of themes have cemented her as a prominent figure in contemporary literature, inspiring a new generation of writers to push boundaries and redefine the literary canon.
In 'Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning,' Cathy Park Hong delves into the complex interplay of race, identity, and cultural belonging through a series of poignant essays that challenge conventional narratives. Hong fearlessly tackles the notion of 'minor feelings,' the racialized range of emotions experienced by Asian Americans, providing a raw and honest exploration of how stereotypes and biases shape their lived experiences. She delves into her personal journey, weaving together history, pop culture, and social commentary to offer a profound and thought-provoking reflection on what it means to be Asian American in a society marked by systemic racism and perpetual othering.