In this thought-provoking episode, I speak with Dr. Ann Anlin Cheng, a renowned scholar and author whose work pushes the boundaries of understanding race, aesthetics, and cultural history. Known for her groundbreaking books, The Melancholy of Race, Second Skin, and her recent publication, Ordinary Disasters, Dr. Cheng challenges conventional narratives around the model minority myth and how it intertwines with race, gender, and identity. She and I explore the nuanced relationship between beauty, art, and the human experience, unpacking how cultural constructs shape our perceptions of ourselves and others. It's a transformative conversation that invites you to see the world—and your place in it—in a new light. Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN. Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices