Karate Chops, Geishas & Nerds: Reflections on the Asian American Experience

John Palmer

Sunday, 19 Apr 2015 at 7:00 pm – Great Hall, Memorial Union

John Palmer is the author of The Dance of Identities: Korean Adult Adoptees Reflect upon Their Identity Journeys, a book that takes an honest look at the complex nature of race and how we can begin to address race and racism from a fresh perspective. As an Iowan who was adopted at the age of 13 months from South Korea, he is able to bring his personal experience to the subject. After teaching in a racially diverse public elementary school, he went to South Korea in search of a closer attachment with his racial and ethnic identity. While there, he earned a masters in International Studies from Yonsei University and returned to earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Iowa. He is currently an associate professor of educational studies at Colgate University. Keynote Speaker, Asian Heritage Week Performance Night

Cosponsored By:
  • Anthropology
  • Asian American Studies
  • Asian Pacific American Awareness Coalition
  • College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Design
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Human Sciences
  • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • Division of Student Affairs
  • Multicultural Student Programming Advisory Comm
  • Sociology
  • Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)

Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.

Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.

Lecture Etiquette

  • Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
  • Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
  • Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
  • Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.