Short Essay #3 Throughout history, the view of Asian American identities has been influenced by international politics. The United States government’s relationship with other governments is the main justification. However, other factors contribute to the mainstream perception of Asian Americans. International tension, World War II (WWII), and the Vietnam War became major justifications for racism as well as discrimination toward Asian Americans. These periods during U.S. history formed the vision of Asian Americans at the time. The perception of Asian American identities within the U.S. is molded, shaped, and designed by international politics. The perpetual foreigner stereotype is one that Asian Americans cannot break free from. This leads to a feeling of
…show more content…
Non-Japanese Asian Americans attempted to distinguish themselves, “Koreans wearing badges that say, ‘I am Korean.’ And sometimes they’ll wear Korean flags on their shirts. And Chinese Americans do something similar that distinguishes them from non-Japanese. They wanted to distance themselves from the anti-Japanese hysteria.” (A Question of Loyalty, 18:12). Global politics does not only affect the white Americans' view of Asian American identities, but also Asian Americans themselves. WWII exemplifies the significance of international politics’ effects on Asian Americans. However, other conflicts altered perceptions of Asian Americans. The Vietnam War shaped and transformed the perception of Asian Americans. Continuing the perpetual foreigner stereotype and furthering the view of Asian Americans as enemies. Even those who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War were discriminated against. Mike Nakayama served in the U.S. and fought during the war. Nakayama was injured when he was hit by a grenade explosion. He felt as if he was going to die, “There’s doctors and they’re treating
Non-Japanese Asian Americans attempted to distinguish themselves, “Koreans wearing badges that say, ‘I am Korean.’ And sometimes they’ll wear Korean flags on their shirts. And Chinese Americans do something similar that distinguishes them from non-Japanese. They wanted to distance themselves from the anti-Japanese hysteria.” (A Question of Loyalty, 18:12). Global politics does not only affect the white Americans' view of Asian American identities, but also Asian Americans themselves. WWII exemplifies the significance of international politics’ effects on Asian Americans. However, other conflicts altered perceptions of Asian Americans. The Vietnam War shaped and transformed the perception of Asian Americans. Continuing the perpetual foreigner stereotype and furthering the view of Asian Americans as enemies. Even those who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War were discriminated against. Mike Nakayama served in the U.S. and fought during the war. Nakayama was injured when he was hit by a grenade explosion. He felt as if he was going to die, “There’s doctors and they’re treating