Reflection Four for Hiromi’s Hands

Analysis Summary

This book can come off as a white woman fetishizing Asian culture and how she portraits a group of people. Being an individual that is outside Asian culture it is difficult to be convinced from her perspective that she truly can represent accurately and authentically.

Impact Assessment

As an educator we must introduce a book’s author so we can better understand their perspective and purpose. The impact of this is important on students because, specifically with this book, it may illustrate that they can depict a culture they only passively participate or observe. Because of these reasons the book and its message can be problematic.

Alternative Texts

• The Japanese Samurai
• Japanese Traditions: A year of seasonal Japanese
• All the Places You'll Go

Guiding Questions

1. How is Japanese tradition communicated differently in the book Japanese Traditions compared to it in Hiromi’s Hands?
2. How do you see the author Sestu Brodrick representing the Japanese language in her book?
3. What did you learn about Samurais in the book by Louise Park?
4. How do the authors portray the message “follow your dream” in the books All the Places You'll Go and Hiromi’s Hands?