- Europeans viewed Asia as their polar opposites, in terms of location from each other, way of living, and nature, like Asian animals and plants. Their impressions of Asia and Asians was that they differed completely from Europe and Europeans. For instance, Lee states, “For centuries this difference between East and West was the subject of endless speculation, informing a Western-held understanding of a masculine, conquering Europe and a feminized Asia ripe for conquest” (Lee 1). Basically, this shows that the major distinction between Europe and Asia was the level of masculinity and femininity that was shown. That brought the idea to Europe that Asian culture is needed there for their influence. The Pax Mongolica brought Europe and Asia closer together. Spain was motivated to explore the Pacific because of Marco Polo and his findings when he traveled throughout the Middle East and Asia. Marco Polo had found that the destination had exotic land, sexual customs, and mountain streams flowing of diamonds, gold, abundant riches, spices, silks, and sugar. With the value of spice, it was guaranteed to make 600 percent profit so Europeans would definitely benefit off of this. What I find shocking is how there was bias towards the Asian crewmembers on the cargo ships and they were underappreciated. In the excerpt, Lee states that “Despite their skill, Asian crewmembers received half the rations provided to Spanish crewmembers or were never paid the wages they were promised” (Lee 21). It seems very unfair that Asia has so much riches to offer Europe and America. Asia does not get a good representation in return, just treated as the lower class or unequal to Spain in the example Lee brought up. These Asian sailors suffered through unfair wages, working conditions, and died off in the freezing weather. The voyage from Asia to America consisted of Asian sailors by ship, Asian servants accompanying their Spanish masters they catered to, and Asian slaves in the trading process. I find it heartbreaking that slaves that were women particularly would be sold as sex slaves and leave the ship in pregnant condition or already bearing a child by the Spanish officials/nobles.
- Los Chinos means the first Asians that landed in Acapulco in the 1580s. After forming a strong community, they migrated from the west coast to the east coast of Mexico City. In the excerpt, Lee explains the broad list of occupations and opportunities Asians had when moving to Mexico City. For example, some were laborers, craftsmen, dancers, shoemakers, barbers, peddlers merchants, tailors, etc. This evokes the great opportunity of freedom for Asians to be what they want and how they choose to live amongst themselves. That is the reason why they would come to America. Coinciding with migration with families around the world and stories we have heard so far about parents coming for a better life, it also proves that freedom is something that everyone will fight for. Another example is Afong Moy being the first Chinese woman to arrive in the U.S. When she reached the U.S. on a ship with other goods at 19 years old, she was automatically taken for a show that people bought tickets to watch. On display like an object for hours a day, it is disrespectful, even with the Chinese stereotypes we derive from Chinese culture we think we know. In the film, I learned that the British took over most of Asia. One group that was impacted hard was the Chinese. There was a large amount of violence towards the Chinese including riots which led them to flee. As a way of taking back control over their lives, I interpret that Asians started to migrate and go to America because they feared that control.
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I agree the text and the film made me feel bad for the Asian immigrants who had to endure the struggles that they went through because they wanted a better life. History is interesting and can be horrific so the only way to make a better future is to learn from the mistakes in the past and not repeat it.
Hi Alexis!
The mistreatment of Asians and their land was completely tragic. History has showed us time and again how little they regarded women as human beings. It surprised me to find out the difference in wages between Spanish and Asian Crew members even though Asian crew member had more skills. I guess that’s better than complete wage less slavery. POC always has had the worst luck in history 🙁
hi Alexis Gayle.
I am very sorry for the Asians who have been bullied. I may never realize their experiences and feelings. I am very surprised that the Asian crews are deprived of their power, because even if they are more skilled than the Europeans, they get half of the rations than the Europeans, and they have not even received the corresponding pay. These have happened frequently since the beginning of history. I hope that these will become the past, and the use will not happen.