The excerpt from Lee’s reading and the film has refreshed my previous knowledge about the histories of Asian migration to the Americas and awestruck me with the unknown facts. The Europeans were fascinated with Asia and considered Asia as it’s polar opposite. For centuries, the difference laid between the West and the East. The Western’s had the masculine power whereas Asia was considered to be weak, femininine which needed to be conquered by the Europeans. The Crusaders played an important role to let Europeans know about the vastness and richness of Asia. They rediscovered Asia when they set off for the Middle East in 1095. Also, the Europeans’ voyage to Asia confirmed that it is ‘the other world’ in opposition to Europe.
The stories from the past about immigration and migration have not changed much till today. In this modern times, it has taken a new form. For example, people still from the East migrate to Western countries or developed countries compared to their own native land in the hope of better opportunities and lifestyle. Though they are not openly selled or labeled as slaves, indented or sex workers in this modern era, they are treated the same as before. They are looked down on in the society and their stories are less expressed. I think the reasons for migration have changed. Before, people were forced to migrate due to the oppressive nature of high- class individuals. But today most of the people willingly leave their country for better days.
