Emerging from the Rubble: Asian/ American Writings on Disasters
Due Date: 08-15-2023
Paul Crutzen’s warning against modern human’s effects on the earth through his discourse on “the Anthropocene” has brought our attention to the catastrophic effects of damages caused by human activities and raised questions about human-centered perspectives on civilization and world systems. Understanding the current urgency to establish a dialogue toward planetary consciousness, this edited volume invites scholarly essays on works of Asian American literature and on Asian American representation that portray and evaluate various natural and man-made disasters and their aftermaths. Global catastrophes leave a flotsam and jetsam of debris that reveals not only evidence of towns and cities gone asunder, but from the aftermath surge disease, pollution, sociopolitical discord, and further dissonance and destruction. Being aware of their involvement in the global system of imperialism, Asian/American authors have been compelled to engage with the crises that occurred in their ancestral lands. Their particular racial position and sociohistorical backgrounds in US society also enable them to witness disastrous events differently from the majority. This anthology is an attempt to open a dialogue on how Asian/American narratives through their portrayal of disasters may lead to uncovering truths about the multifarious effects of disaster and reveal new understandings on ways in which attaining recompense may be possible. We welcome transnational perspectives across the world to acknowledge our shared vulnerability and need for cooperation and collaboration beyond the boundaries of nation-states.
If you are interested in contributing to this edited volume, please submit your proposal (500-word max) and biography (300-word max) to the editors, Yasuko Kase and Eliko Kosaka, at aawondisasters@gmail.com by 15 August 2023.
This edited volume will be published through Vernon Press.
More detailed information can be found on https://vernonpress.com/proposal/241/0acca1434686f9102fcc47db2de7cc49.