A study of the identity-lattice in the Kannada film America America

ABSTRACT

This article is an examination of the Kannada film, America America (1995) that reflects the popular cultural and immigrant experiences of the Indians in the US. The study aims to unpack the identity-lattice in connection with the diaspora theoretical and conceptual frames that help reveal the challenges faced by the Kannada couple who migrate to the hostland. Methodologically, the article takes up the discourse analysis approach to the film by critiquing the representations of the diasporic experiences of the Indians in the US in the conceptual framework of shifting identities in a transnational cultural landscape. Key questions in this study are: How are cultural integrative practices crucial to contouring identities that empower one’s role in the host society? How do memory practices that re-enact personal cultural knowledge essential to retain homeland identities? Finally, how do the immigrants adapt to American society's acculturation trials and culture shock?

KEYWORDS:

• Kannada film America America
• diaspora
• identity
• belonging
• identity-lattice
• return to homeland

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 haaku in this context is ‘watch TV.’

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shilpa Daithota Bhat

Shilpa Daithota Bhat is a Professor (School of Liberal Studies and Mass Communication), Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, India. Her areas of research interest are Canadian Studies, diaspora and postcolonial narratives and theory.