Racial Diversity in Kuang's Yellowface: A Neo-Colonial Study

Abstract

This research explores the neo-colonial perspective on racial diversity as depicted in R.F. Kuang's novel Yellowface, where the publishing industry’s commodification of diversity is examined through the story of June Hayward, a white writer who claims her deceased Asian American friend Athena Liu’s manuscript as her own. Through this morally complex narrative, Kuang critiques how the industry manipulates and profits from diverse voices, reshaping cultural identities to suit Western audiences while sidelining authentic representation. This study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing close reading, thematic analysis, and comparisons with real-world publishing practices to investigate how Kuang’s narrative sheds light on power imbalances and ethical dilemmas within the industry. Grounded in postcolonial theory and Critical Race Theory, the analysis connects Kuang’s fictional events to broader practices of neo-colonialism, illustrating how racial diversity is selectively promoted as a token of inclusivity while ultimately reinforcing existing power structures. This research aims to reveal yellow face as both a sociopolitical commentary and a critique of diversity initiatives in literature that prioritize profit over authentic storytelling. By framing diversity as a resource subjected to neo-colonial exploitation, Kuang challenges the industry’s superficial commitment to inclusivity, questioning who truly benefits from racial diversity in publishing. This study thus contributes to discussions on race, power, and ethics, underscoring the need for deeper systemic change in cultural representation.

Keywords:  Racial Diversity Neo-colonialism Cultural Appropriation Representation Identity Politics Postcolonial Literature White Privilege Authorship and Authenticity