In Search of Identity: Hafus in Japan

This thesis attempts to analyze the status of mixed-race Japanese, commonly called “hafu.” Hafus are a minority in Japan who often face discrimination as they try to identify to the Japanese community and to this day, there is still little literature on this topic. I argue that the Japanese majority should rethink the Japanese identity to be more inclusive of hafus, as many are often stopped to do so because of hafus’ foreign looks. Hafus should also rethink their identity by challenging the label “hafu” itself that carries many negative connotations. Through the use of theories such as W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness and Kenneth Burke’s theory on symbols as terministic screens and identification, I analyze the controversy of Miss Japan 2015. Ultimately, this thesis attempts to understand what it means to be human through the search of identity.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Royer, Claire-Kaoru

• double consciousness

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/59314

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/59314