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Sandaa Aye
AMST
Professor Anthony
15 August 2017
ART WITHIN CULTURE
American studies revolves around the examination of many fields. Such matters are not

limited to identity, but the very elements contributing towards it. The one thing I have taken from

this class is recognizing the importance of the everyday. This unfamiliar concept coincides with

reflection. As both an American and a student, I started to question the idolization seen in the

surrounding world. In addition to understanding the connections within our communities, I have

come to understand the influence of transnational affairs. By attending the Smithsonian Museum

of American Art, as well as a Burmese cultural tasting event, I can better understand the different

branches of American studies. Upon attending these events I tried to look beyond the material

objects and asked myself why they were even there in the first place.

As mentioned before, this past weekend I took a trip to Washington D.C. and visited the

Smithsonian Museum of American Art (SAAM). I came into the museum with the mindset of

looking at art that represented American culture. This would definitely allow me to explain the

cultures of everyday life, depicted through visual representation. I wanted to take pictures of the

pieces and explain how they connected to American studies. Although I still have intentions of

doing so, I think it would be beneficial for me to first ask why these pieces were chosen in the

first place. As mentioned in class, instructor Anthony addressed whose cultures are we

supposed to study? I think this applies to the situation because it allows us to analyze

representation, even in art. Why certain pieces were chosen, as oppose to others explains a lot. I

found that this museum incorporated a lot of representation in regards to its art pieces. Ranging

from William H Johnson, a black painter born in florence to the iconic Electronic

Superhighway, envisioned by Nam June Paik. I believe that these pieces were placed in the
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museum because they conceptualize the values presented in American culture. They are

representations of the everyday from different perspectives. It gives us insight on how daily

rituals differ between communities, races, and classes. Such representation is what I think

Kimberle Crenshaw argues for. This single-axis framework is completely non-evident within

this museum. It presents a point of view from various sides, ranging from Korean, African,

Latino immigrants. It tells us their story and explains their take on American nationalism.

In addition to focusing on the why, I wanted to analyze the pieces themselves. One of

the features I liked from this museum was the diverse range of artwork. Diverse not only in the

sense of the artist, but also their time periods. It displayed American culture from the early state

to the rise of modernity. As time progressed, american art took to the form of technology.

Everything previous to this point and beyond, was represented in the SAAM. Pieces by

immigrants, such as Milton Resnick who emigrated Russia, allowed me to understand the

abstract values and chaotic nature of life. As well as the Megatron Matrix piece by a south

korean immigrant, which helped me see the static nature found in the surrounding world.

In addition to Kimberle Crenshaws subtle appearance found in this museum, I also found

George Yudices influence. The main concept found within the museum is american culture. It

presents the values, perspectives, and interests of the American people. As Yudice says,

contemporary culture incorporates three main factors, including intellectual, spiritual, and

aesthetic. I think that this museum is a story book for many different experiences and these

pieces represent different branches as told by Yudice.

In addition to visiting the SAAM, I attended a burmese cultural cuisine event.

Throughout this gathering I was exposed to the stories behind the food. In addition to learning

about less recognized Burmese food, I was also exposed to the stories depicting Burmese culture.
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The event was held in a tiny restaurant, which heightened the level of intimacy between the

storyteller and fellow guests. The room itself was set in a neatly organized fashion. The only

element representing such culture was the familiar smell of stewed fish. The storytellers began

by positioning themselves in front of the audience and kindly smiled. One of the stories followed

three sisters, Myint, Kyaw Linn, and Myaw Theingi. Myaw Theingi was the youngest out of the

three and her fathers favorite. Her two sisters were extremely jealous, as they never received

their fathers love. Although the youngest child was her fathers favorite, she was still kind. She

was the sweetest child and thats why her father loved her so much. In hopes of gaining their

fathers attention, Myint Sein and Kyaw Linn planned a trap. They found a snake to carry out

their bidding. The sisters told the snake to hide in the rice and bite the little Theingi. Upon being

told to scoop some rice for dinner, Theingi went into the dimly lit room. As she put her hand in

the rice, Myaw Theingi felt the snake wrap around her wrist. She kindly asked the snake to let go

of her hand. Little did she know, the snake had been watching her. He saw her kindness, and

each time she asked for freedom, the snake unraveled his body from Myaw Theingis wrist.

Amongst the sea of white people and the tiny number of Burmese families, it was weird

for me. I felt connected to the culture, almost as though I had the upperhand compared to the

White people. This is my culture, and I wanted everyone to know. At the same time however, I

felt highly alienated. All I could think to myself was how much I stood out in this crowd, how

much of a foreigner I was, even in this country.

We talk about diasporas in class but I never really analyzed the term in relation to my

positionality. As someone of burmese descent living in America, I still feel connected to this

culture, even though I do not live in Myanmar. The same goes for the Burmese people present at

the event. In terms of my positionality however, it is evident that the Burmese diaspora is
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completely different here compared to Myanmar. More specifically, I feel as though the

community in Myanmar is a lot more hospitable and generous. This past winter, I had the

opportunity to visit Burma and I had a pretty good experience. Even though I felt strange and out

of place here, strangers never hesitated to smile at me. This made me feel as though I was home.

In terms of this cultural event, I realized how different everyone behaved here. Although they

were clearly hospitable, there wasnt any presence of genuine selflessness. This heightened the

feeling of separation and isolation on my behalf.

Although I identify as a black women, I am proud of my Burmese heritage. It is a way for

me to express myself. By doing so, I feel closer to my Grandma who is on the other side of the

world. This identity allows me to connect with my asian culture, which feels amazing. Although

I feel power in such expression, it is similar to John Caugheys holding, that culture allows us to

express ourselves but also constrains us. Sure I feel connected to my family when I celebrate this

culture. But sometimes in the process of such expression, I feel an overpowering amount of

isolation.

In the six weeks of being enrolled in American studies, it was hard for me to see the real

world connections. I began to understand my positionality, but making connections between

myself and the outside world was difficult. Attending these events allowed me to better

understand the importance of representation within the community, as well as my identity.