Asian American Racism

Racism achieved pushing the very people that suffered its abuse to disassociate themselves with each other. Japanese immigrants arriving in the United States did not want to associate themselves with Chinese Americans. During World War II, Chinese Americans did not want to associate themselves with Japanese Americans. This was all done to avoid the sphere of racism that existed in the United States. During the 1960s, students from these Asian subgroups “coined the term ‘Asian American’” , which related their combined experiences of “racial oppression and economic exploitation.” As Asian Americans, they importantly carved out their unique American identities within an American culture that considered them foreign. This was an important step …show more content…
They were also being influenced by Black activism and the similar challenges faced by Black Americans. Asian American activists began to relate to the understanding that “meaningful change[s] would not come from the top down but required bottom-up awareness…” Asian Americans needed to form a coalition to effectively combat continued racial injustice. Their activism borrowed key elements from Black movements. In some forms, Asian American activism resembled the approach of Black radicals within the Black Power movement. An example of this is “the Red Guard Party…” , where many aspects of the Black Panther Party were emulated including the rejection of characteristics endowed by white supremacy. Facing similar oppression in racism, it isn’t all too surprising that Asian American activists would develop the same foundations as Black activists. Important instances in activist history saw the combined coalition of these minorities standing up against racial oppression. As Asian American activism grew, their outreach extended to the internationally …show more content…
In 1968, a coalition of students under the “Third World Liberation Front” demanded greater ethnic inclusion of minorities in San Francisco State University. The strike was a lasting success for the Asian American movement, where it allowed for the “institutionalization of Asian American studies.” Importantly, activism often takes shape in educational environments such as university campuses. In preventing the establishment of such ethnic programs, the issues faced by Asian Americans could not be discussed within realms that encouraged activism. The establishment of Asian American studies created a venue for Asian Americans and minorities to discuss the problems they faced in society and how to bring about resolutions. Creation of varying ethnic studies programs across the nation would follow the footsteps of this victory. Asian American activism extended beyond localized efforts in the 1980s. The killing of Vincent Chin upended Asian American silence. They sought national recognition of their humanity and justice for its