Hi everyone! My name is Cynthia Lu, and I’m a rising sophomore in the School of Foreign Service. Currently, I plan on majoring in Regional and Comparative Studies and concentrating on Asia with a minor in Chinese — but I’m still deciding exactly what I’m looking to study.
My research project this summer centers around the interaction of ethnic policy in Xi Jinping's People’s Republic of China with contemporary minority ethnic music. I will work alongside Professor Shernuk, whose research focuses on comparative ethnicity and indigeneity, particularly among disempowered and minoritized populations in China and East Asia. By analyzing contemporary music of minority-ethnic groups in the People’s Republic of China, I aim to understand the nuances of how the Chinese Communist Party delineates varying ethnic representations in its legal frameworks and bring light to the political boundary between acceptable and unacceptable expressions of ethnicity in the PRC. These subtle nuances lead certain representations of ethnicity to be viewed as acceptable and praiseworthy to the Chinese Communist Party, with artists finding fame and success, when similar representations are viewed as unacceptable and warranting punishment, with artists disappearing or imprisoned.
In today’s global climate, fostering an understanding of CCP ethnic policy is increasingly critical, as policies policing minority ethnic expression must be researched and understood in order to be addressed. I chose to research minority-ethnic music because music has always been a huge part of my life… but more importantly, because broader insights into CCP policy can be discerned through policies surrounding cultural practices that make up the life-worlds of minority-ethnic groups. Furthermore, popular contemporary music provides unique insight into the changing cultural and political landscapes within the People’s Republic of China.
This research project is my first time conducting research, and it’s safe to say that I’m a little nervous! However, I’m excited to gain familiarity with the research process alongside everyone else in this cohort :) So excited to hear you all and learn more about your research!!
Hello! I'm Cynthia, a second-year at Georgetown University studying Regional and Comparative Studies with a concentration in Asia. I'm originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
My research project centers around the role of contemporary minority ethnic music in the People’s Republic of China in constructing ethnic identity. I chose this project because studying contemporary music provides unique and living insight into the critically important cultural and political landscapes within the People’s Republic of China.
When I'm not studying or working, I love knitting, reading, thrifting, and a long walk to explore D.C. — all while fueled by an americano, cold brew, or matcha if I'm feeling adventurous :)
Please feel free to send me a message if you want to chat! I would love to hear about you, your research project, and any knowledge you may have that could contribute to my work.
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Wow, I would have never imagined how serious the problem of artistic expression was in the People’s Republic of China. I think as a collective society, people usually are too broad with their descriptions of the daily life in China; usually inaccurate overgeneralizations that only focus on violence issued for dissent rather than individual curiosities. So, I give you a lot of praise for raising awareness on the struggles of the native citizens. Not knowing much about music apart from what I listen to, I am excited to see how you present your findings, which research methodologies you will use, and to see how far back this problem has gone. Looking forward to hearing updates on your project, keep up the good work.