Kristin Mahoney responds to Erica Kanesaka Kalnay
We have been having a conversation about the lack of attentiveness to ethnic studies and critical
race theory within Victorian studies for a long time, yet it remains clear that we have not done
enough in terms of shifting the frameworks and practices in our research and teaching to address
this problem. As Erica Kanesaka Kalnay notes, Quaint, Exquisite feels exciting because it points
towards a “promise of further dialogue” between Victorian studies and Asian and Asian American
studies. Kalnay also asks us, however, to think carefully about how we might, in redirecting our
work to “address processes of racialization,” take our lead “from scholars, primarily scholars of
color, who have done this work over the long-haul.” This is a caution I appreciate. How can we
make sure the dialogue between nineteenth-century British studies and critical race theory continues
and is mutually beneficial, that it does not rely only upon the appropriation or absorption of work
happening elsewhere? The hopeful question about the potential collaboration between Victorian
studies and critical race theory with which she closes also contains within itself the suggestion that
we should think carefully and critically about how we engage other critical methodologies.
Reflection by Erica Kanesaka Kalnay
Back to Forum