Pain, Joy, and the Body Politic: Exploring the Asian American Taiko Experience at American Crossroads 55

Asian American Taiko, a powerful form of Japanese drumming, has grown immensely in popularity and significance within the Asian American community. It stands as a symbol of cultural pride, resistance, and artistic expression, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of Asian American identity. At American Crossroads 55, an annual Taiko festival held in the heart of Asian America, this powerful art form takes center stage, captivating audiences with its explosive energy, rhythmic beats, and thought-provoking performances.

The Intersection of Pain and Joy

Asian American Taiko is more than just a performance art; it is a platform for Asian Americans to reclaim their narratives and challenge stereotypes. The rhythmic beats of the drums convey a wide range of emotions, blending pain and joy into a powerful transformative experience. Within the Asian American community, Taiko serves as a vehicle for healing and forging connections between generations.

Through the thumping of the drums, Asian Americans explore the often painful history of their ancestors, acknowledging the struggles faced by previous generations. The energy exuded during performances reflects an acknowledgment of pain and oppression, but it doesn't end there. Taiko also serves as a catalyst for celebrating resilience, embracing cultural identity, and reclaiming power.

Louder and Faster: Pain, Joy, and the Body Politic in Asian American Taiko (American Crossroads Book 55)

by Amy Gahran(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20246 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The Body Politic in Taiko

Asian American Taiko transcends its artistic nature and becomes a tool for activism and political expression. Drummers actively engage with social and political issues, using their performances to voice concerns, fight against injustice, and advocate for equality. Taiko groups at American Crossroads 55 boldly explore themes such as racism, identity, and community-building, igniting conversations and inspiring change within and beyond the Asian American community.

With the body as their instrument, Taiko drummers construct a visual metaphor that challenges the dominant white-centered narrative. The synchronized movements and intense physicality of Taiko performances are a reminder of the strength and resilience of Asian Americans, countering stereotypes of passivity and subjugation. By reclaiming their bodies and space on stage, Taiko performers assert their presence, voice, and agency.

Asian American Taiko at American Crossroads 55

American Crossroads 55 showcases the power of Asian American Taiko, bringing together a multitude of groups and performers from across the country. This annual festival, held at a prestigious venue in the heart of Asian America, serves as a meeting point for Taiko artists and enthusiasts to celebrate, learn, and connect.

Throughout the event, various workshops, performances, and panels provide a holistic understanding of Asian American Taiko's cultural and political significance. Taiko masters, renowned performers, and community leaders share their experiences, insight, and knowledge, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and learning.

With a diverse range of performances, American Crossroads 55 showcases the dynamic nature of Taiko. Traditional drumming mixes with modem twists, incorporating elements of jazz, hip hop, and contemporary dance to create unique fusions that reflect the changing landscape of Asian American art. The festival presents an opportunity for cross-cultural collaboration, encouraging artistic exploration and innovation.

Pain, joy, and the body politic intertwine in Asian American Taiko, a mesmerizing cultural force that challenges and inspires. American Crossroads 55 serves as a powerful platform for the exploration of this art form, bringing Asian American voices to the forefront and igniting conversations about identity, activism, and social change.

Through the rhythmic power of Taiko drums, Asian Americans not only celebrate their rich cultural heritage but also assert their presence in American society. The pain and joy expressed through this art form serve as a rallying cry, urging individuals to confront and transform the narratives that shape their lives.

By attending American Crossroads 55, one becomes a witness to the beauty and resilience of Asian American Taiko. It is an immersive experience that invites all to discover the transformative power of drums and the stories they tell.

Louder and Faster: Pain, Joy, and the Body Politic in Asian American Taiko (American Crossroads Book 55)

by Amy Gahran(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20246 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

2020 Alan Merriam Prize for Best Book Published in Ethnomusicology, Society for Ethnomusicology

A free open access ebook is available upon publication. Learn more at www.luminosoa.org.

Louder and Faster is a cultural study of the phenomenon of Asian American taiko, the thundering, athletic drumming tradition that originated in Japan. Immersed in the taiko scene for twenty years, Deborah Wong has witnessed cultural and demographic changes and the exponential growth and expansion of taiko particularly in Southern California. Through her participatory ethnographic work, she reveals a complicated story embedded in memories of Japanese American internment and legacies of imperialism, Asian American identity and politics, a desire to be seen and heard, and the intersection of culture and global capitalism. Exploring the materialities of the drums, costumes, and bodies that make sound, analyzing the relationship of these to capitalist multiculturalism, and investigating the gender politics of taiko, Louder and Faster considers both the promises and pitfalls of music and performance as an antiracist practice. The result is a vivid glimpse of an Asian American presence that is both loud and fragile.