Book Review: Beyond Ethnic Loneliness

By Ona La Motte

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rasanta Verma offers a candid and concise understanding of the pain and marginalization of people of color in her new book, Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging

Paired with research, personal stories, and poetry, this book captures the true experience of cultural and ethnic loneliness and the quest for belonging in society. As an Indian American immigrant, Verma's first-hand account of isolation reflects the journey that many Asian Americans feel as they struggle for a sense of belonging while exploring themes that resonate deeply with Christian concepts of community and acceptance. 

Through meticulous research, Verma provides startling statistics that support her narrative. Her writing is honest and clear, inviting readers to rest and reflect on our Christian identity. Verma emphasizes the significance of our ethnicity within our identity as God's image bearers: “Our ethnicity is a form of medicine for a hurting world. If God didn’t think the world needed our multiple ethnicities, we wouldn’t be here” (page 184). 

Verma skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes, sociological observations, and cultural analysis, including reflections on faith and spirituality. She explores themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the complexities of navigating between multiple cultural worlds, touching on how faith communities can play a crucial role in fostering belonging. Verma articulates that “true belonging is knowing and believing that God made an intentional, deliberate decision with me – to make me the way I am, to place me here, in the culture I live, and that I belong here, as much as anyone else – and God did the same for you, even in this in-between place” (page 163).

The author not only highlights the struggles of ethnic minorities but also offers hope and strategies for overcoming feelings of isolation, aligning with the Christian message of hope and redemption. She provides thoughtful reflections on building community, preserving cultural heritage, and finding one's place in a diverse society as a beloved child of God. Living as a member of a marginalized community can be lonely and a source of grief, but Verma reminds us that we can find Jesus in the margins. “God is there, in our in-between spaces, in the margins. Where was Jesus constantly going? To the margins, to the people outcast, to those on the bottom, to those forgotten by society. He didn’t seek wealth, fame, or power, nor did he coddle the rich, the powerful and wealthy. He didn’t seek to manipulate the masses to gain popularity. Don’t lose hope because you are in the margins. It is the place where God dwells” (page 113).     

Beyond Ethnic Loneliness is a valuable contribution to the literature on immigrant experiences and racial dynamics in America, viewed through a faith-based perspective. It serves as both a personal memoir and a sociological study, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including those interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and belonging. 

Offering a unique Christian viewpoint, this book is essential reading for those seeking to understand the nuanced experiences of Asian Americans and engage with broader issues of diversity and inclusion in contemporary society through a lens of faith and shared humanity.

Photo c/o InterVarsity Press

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Ona La Motte currently serves as the Director of the Writing Center and Assistant Professor of English at Vanguard University of Southern California. With a robust educational background in English and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Oklahoma State University, Professor La Motte brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

Professor La Motte’s academic purview spans a diverse range of literature courses that explore varied voices and perspectives. Her oversight of the writing programs and courses in the English Department showcases her commitment to fostering excellence in written communication. Her areas of focus include writing pedagogy, identity discourse, and ethnic literature, reflecting a deep engagement with the intersections of faith, culture, and personal expression. This academic foundation is further enriched by her extensive experience working with diverse populations across various institutions in Oklahoma, Southern California, and Southeast Asia.

She and her husband, Jeremy, are parents to three active boys, and their home is made even livelier by an interesting collection of pets. Now firmly rooted in Southern California, she finds fulfillment in her role within Christian higher education. Her mission extends beyond mere instruction; she is dedicated to equipping students to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and lead lives of Christian service.