Asian American Women History

A Reaction to Unbound Feet by Judy Yung

Yung 's interpretation of unbound feet conceptualized from the old Chinese tradition of foot binding , which reflected Chinese women 's oppression from a patriarchal type of family , gender inferiority , and suppression of individualism . Thus , Yung 's book Unbound Feet signified liberation of Chinese women as they successfully become accustomed and important in the society throughout the fast changing modernization of US in early 20th century . However , the process of this conquest did not come up easily as possible . To understand completely , she illustrated

how the first and second generation Chinese women fought the dilemma of gender inequality and cultural differences within the community of an Americanized environment and traditional Chinese custom

As Yung fairly discussed struggles of Chinese-American women irregardless of their economic status or social orientation , she nostalgically recounted in her research , along with all her interviewees , the evolution of Chinese maidens from full-time 2nd class gender or 2nd rate citizens to full-blown essential co-existents of the society . With this , a connection between the old norm and the modern practices of nationalism has made . Furthermore , it gave great pride on Chinese women recalling their active participation in the World War II and Post War Era , particularly in the Great Depression Period

Asian-American women history has to give consummate acknowledgement to Unbound Feet and to Judy Yung as well , for the comprehensive annotations and research that she has gone through . As the book creates deeper understanding and appreciation on Chinese-American women and their history , it can give immeasurable contribution in Asian Studies today and for the coming generations . Kudos

R E F E R E N C E

Yung , Judy . Unbound Feet : A Social History of Chinese Women in San Francisco . 1995 (Accessed October 11 , 2008 . University of California Press http /books .google

com /books /ucpress ?id AXwtKAJnWQC pg PA223 source gbs_toc_r cad 0

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