[KineJapan] Racialization of Harry Harris

[Japanese Cinema Discussion Forum via KineJapan]

Hello All,

Apologies for cross posting.

I know this is primarily a cinema forum, but since we have a number of Japan Studies experts on this list I was curious to hear some perspectives on the racialization of US Navy Admiral Harry Harris as Japanese by the Chinese press.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-uses-race-to-unite-and-divide-20180212-p4z00c.html

I am not very knowledgeable about contemporary discourse in China and this is the first I'm hearing about the characterization of Harris as Japanese based on his mixed race parentage.

The article raises a few interesting points regarding the myth of racial homogeneity amongst Chinese. I'm wondering if anyone on the list could point me in the direction of some additional sources on this subject? At first glance it seems similar to the ideas put forth in Nihonjinron, and I'm curious if anyone else has drawn that conclusion.

I also find it fascinating that Harris's mixed race heritage is enough to discredit his intentions as politically aligned to Japan. Would love to hear some other thoughts on the subject.

Best regards,

Rob Buscher
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Sent from my iPhone
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