Charlie Chan - Beyond Tiki

T Thomas Member Lake Mojave Joined: Mar 15, 2005 Posts: 372	T Thomas Posted posted on Sat, Aug 21, 2010 3:33 PM It's kind of surprising that there isn't more mention of the fictional, Honolulu-based detective here. Old stuff that deals with the western encounter with the Asia-Pacific in a way that tiptoes uneasily along the edge of political correctness: isn't that as tiki as something can be without actually being tiki? Anyone else go through a Charlie Chan kick, and maybe, like me, have a bunch of the films recorded from AMC Chan marathons or the like? (TC is the kind of place where you can ask such things without generating awkward, silent stares...) Anyway, there's a new book out on the phenomenon, and I think this review will be of interest to some folks here. I thought it was excellent and plan to check out the book as well: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129260913

It's kind of surprising that there isn't more mention of the fictional, Honolulu-based detective here. Old stuff that deals with the western encounter with the Asia-Pacific in a way that tiptoes uneasily along the edge of political correctness: isn't that as tiki as something can be without actually being tiki? Anyone else go through a Charlie Chan kick, and maybe, like me, have a bunch of the films recorded from AMC Chan marathons or the like? (TC is the kind of place where you can ask such things without generating awkward, silent stares...)

Anyway, there's a new book out on the phenomenon, and I think this review will be of interest to some folks here. I thought it was excellent and plan to check out the book as well:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129260913