Chinese National Character: From Nationhood to Individuality

This unique survey of the evolution of the modern Chinese national character incorporates a rich blend of history and theory as well as nation gender and film studies. It begins with the dawn of the concept of nation in China at the end of the Imperial period and follows its development from early Republican China to the present People's Republic drawing on themes of national identity Orientalness racial evolution and purity cultural and gender roles regional animosities historical impediments and more. The book also takes up the changing American perceptions of Chinese personality development and gender using materials from American popular culture.