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Asian American Histories of the United States: Revisioning History

Leo Mitchell

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Asian American Histories of the United States (REVISIONING HISTORY)

by Catherine Ceniza Choy

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	408 pages

Asian American histories have often been marginalized and erased from the mainstream narrative of the United States. This is in part due to the fact that Asian Americans have historically been seen as perpetual foreigners, outsiders who do not belong in the United States. This perception has led to the exclusion of Asian Americans from history books, classrooms, and other public spaces.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to revise Asian American history and to make it more inclusive. This movement has been led by scholars, activists, and community organizations who are working to document and preserve the Asian American experience in the United States.

This article is part of that movement. It seeks to provide a brief overview of some of the key moments and figures that have shaped the Asian American experience in the US. By telling these stories, we hope to challenge the dominant narrative of American history and to create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the past.

Early Immigration and Settlement

The first Asian immigrants to arrive in the United States were Chinese laborers who came to work on the railroads in the mid-19th century. These immigrants faced discrimination and violence, and many were forced to live in segregated communities. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigration from Japan, Korea, and the Philippines increased. These immigrants also faced discrimination, and they were often forced to work in low-wage jobs.

In 1882, the United States passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which banned the immigration of Chinese laborers for 10 years. This act was later extended and made permanent in 1902. The Chinese Exclusion Act was one of the most discriminatory laws in American history, and it had a devastating impact on the Chinese American community. It prevented Chinese immigrants from bringing their families to the United States, and it made it difficult for them to find work and housing.

World War II and the Asian American Civil Rights Movement

During World War II, the United States government forcibly removed more than 110,000 Japanese Americans from their homes and interned them in concentration camps. This was a violation of the constitutional rights of Japanese Americans, and it had a lasting impact on the community.

After the war, Asian Americans began to organize for their civil rights. In 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act was passed, which abolished the national origins quotas that had restricted immigration from Asia. This act led to a new wave of Asian immigration, and it helped to create a more diverse and inclusive American society.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Asian American activists fought for their civil rights. They protested against discrimination in housing, employment, and education. They also worked to preserve their culture and heritage.

Contemporary Asian American Issues

Today, Asian Americans are one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States. They are also one of the most diverse, with people coming from all over Asia. Asian Americans have made significant contributions to American society, in fields such as business, technology, the arts, and politics.

However, Asian Americans still face challenges. They are often the target of discrimination and hate crimes. They are also underrepresented in politics and the media. These challenges are a reminder that the work of revisioning Asian American history is not yet complete.

Asian American histories are an important part of the American story. They tell the stories of immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life, and they document the struggles and triumphs of the Asian American community. By telling these stories, we can challenge the dominant narrative of American history and create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the past.

The revisioning of Asian American history is an ongoing process. It is a process that requires us to listen to the voices of Asian Americans and to learn from their experiences. It is also a process that requires us to challenge our own assumptions and to be open to new ways of seeing the world.

By working together, we can create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of American history, and we can build a more just and equitable society for all.