Content Notification | Interior Chinatown

Although Interior Chinatown is a work of satire, this novel includes depictions of hate crimes, microaggressions, stereotypes, and violence. In certain acts, the text also illustrates the force of racial slurs. While Charles Yu both balances and combats these topics with incisive humor, we are offering the resources below as a means of contextualizing and supporting you as you read. It is important to note that stereotypes do not exist in real life. There is always more to the story. However, stereotypes do exist in television, movies, and other forms of media where the only story the consumer receives is what is on screen. In his text, Charles Yu uses these two-dimensional “roles” to interrogate the relationship between stereotypes and reality.

As we grapple with the discomfort of history and the challenging conversations kindled by this text, we hope that you will come to your teachers or another trusted adult to talk through what you’re feeling. You have a wealth of human resources at your disposal (your teachers, counselors, deans, families, friends). Never hesitate to ask for the help you need, even if it is just a listening ear.