British Journal of Chinese Studies

dragon mural beijing 2018 copyright Gerda Wielander
Vol 10 (2020)
Essays

Rebuilding Home Around Hardened Borders

Melody Yunzi Li
University of Houston
Published July 6, 2020
How to Cite
Li, M. Y. (2020). Rebuilding Home Around Hardened Borders. British Journal of Chinese Studies, 10. https://doi.org/10.51661/bjocs.v10i0.77

Abstract

Anti-Chinese sentiment and sinophobia have arisen as one of the current corona virus’s most serious side effects. These conditions have challenged the Chinese diasporic community’s sense of home. Far from mere diversion in a time of turmoil, Chinese literature has the power to disrupt state narratives and contest polarising claims from politicians. Online literature during the pandemic has not been limited to the Chinese diaspora, and its themes have not been limited to hate crimes. Online literature in the diaspora and in China debunks grand narratives set by the state, and provides a sense of nonphysical homecoming for them. Like these Chinese diasporic writers, we too can find our belonging with each other virtually.

Keywords
  • Chinese diaspora,
  • Chinese literature,
  • COVID-19,
  • pandemic,
  • homecoming,
  • digital diaspora
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