1. Some of the arguments that are made to exclude Chinese migrants from the U.S. or from participation in American life are that they were seen as inferior to the white American and seen as second class citizens. There were disgusting stereotypes made about them as well such as them being “uncivilized, unclean…lustful and sensual…every female is a prostitute of the basest order.” They were not only seen as dirty but also were heavily sexualized. Chinese women were forced into prostitution which created the stereotype that they are “lustful and sensual.” Chinese migrant children were also discriminated against in schools — that was if they were able to get into those schools.
2. Chinese communities obviously did not like this mistreatment as they were very hardworking people. They had attempted to change the segregation laws placed upon them through petitions and protests, but even so that didn’t work.
3. These histories have to do with current events as Chinese discrimination still exists to this day. With the COVID-19 plague , the Chinese have been put to blame for this, and many innocent Asians have been harassed and many hate crimes have been committed against them for something they didn’t do.
4. As we review the material it’s interesting to learn a lot about the experiences of different groups of Asians in America, as we are not really taught about Asian American history in schools, and when we are, it usually only focuses on one geographical location in Asia. I like how we discuss all groups and learn about their experiences and struggles, because I like how I can relate and talk about a lot of the topics we discuss.
Hi Sundas,
I keep wondering why American schools don’t teach about this portion of VERY RECENT history like why not? This is so relevant to sentiments towards Asian-Americans that still remain smh. What a sad thing to think.
It is ridiculous that such discrimination against Asians is still related to current affairs today. That’s why many innocent Asians are still harassed.
Hello Sundas,
I agree with you, as Nina said, “Why don’t American schools talk about this part of recent history” because I think this history is full of discrimination. But even today, discrimination against Asians continues to occur.
Great discussion. One thing I want to ask you is about this sentence: Chinese communities obviously did not like this mistreatment as they were very hardworking people.
I’m curious why “hardworking” is included here. Could they not like the mistreatment simply because it was unjust? Does one have to be “hardworking” to challenge injustice? Would the mistreatment be justified if they were not hardworking, and if so, why is this expectation placed on them?