The European perspective on Asians and Asia was to me, very intriguing. The general European perspective saw Asia as the complete opposite of Europe. It was foreign, exotic, alluring and unlike anything they have ever seen or come across. Asia was abundant in jewels, silks, spices and other natural resources which attracted Europe immensely. In Lee’s passage, he mentions, “Western held understanding of a masculine, conquering Europe and a feminized Asia piped for conquest”. Which evidently showcases Europes’s fascination and lust for Asia and what she had to offer. Marco Polo and his enticing tales about his travels throughout Asia and the Middle East captivated Spain. Soon, Europe’s upper class prospered a great thirst for Asian goods. These imports were assured to create a 600% profit. All of which Europeans benefitted from. I was most surprised about the value of Asian imports and the horrible treatment of Asian crew members. I was unaware that Asian crew members were paid only half of what Spanish crew members were given. Asian workers on cargo ships were unequally treated and unappreciated despite of their vast skillsets. After reading, it was clear how much Europe had taken from Asia. Stole their natural resources, mistreated their men, abused their women and gave no credit not respect to the land and the culture. It is clear that Europe did not just conquer Asia. He savagely raped her.
Los Chinos are the first Asians to arrive to Acapulco around the 1580’s. These Asian pioneers forged a strong community and decided to migrate from the west coast to the Mexican east coast finally settling in Mexico City. These pioneers took professions as laborers, craftsmen, merchants, barbers and shoemakers to support the livelihood of themselves and their families. This ultimately meant freedom from the control of Europeans. The film revealed Great Britain colonizing majority of Asia and how the Chinese was negatively impacted by it. A wave of violence eventually washed over the Chinese which forced them to leave and create opportunities of their own.
