By Joe YonkoskiAmerican Culture 214 Term Project12/4/08

Background and Purpose

It would be impossible to define the Asian American or Pacific Islander American (A/PIA) experience without including some discussion of the numerous oppressive events endured by these many cultures throughout U.S. history.

This document is neither all inclusive nor all encompassing in its attempt to rank such events, as a different ranking could be generated for each individual experience. Rather, the purpose of this document is to inform, and hopefully generate intelligent discussion surrounding the historical events listed and others with similar intent.

Selection BasisIn order to properly select 5 events that were the most detrimental to the Asian American experience in this country, the following criteria was used.

Events were selected if the event included: Severely unfair treatment of A/PIA citizens of the United States Political oppression in the form of controlling immigration, annexing land, rejecting rights or demeaning culturesSupport for incorrect ideas that perpetuate cultural stereotypes and marginalization of cultural richness

The LIST

1. Executive Order 9066 (1942) 2. Cheap laborers (1820-1869)3. The Johnson-Reed Act (1924)4. Annexation of the Philippines (1902) 5. Perpetual foreigner stereotypes

(Today)

Executive order 9066 supported the relocation of Japanese American citizens in 1942 during WWII out of fear that these people were a threat to the security of the United States. People were torn from their homes solely because of their ethnic heritage.

1. Executive Order 9066

http://www.holidayforeveryday.com/wp-content/lange2650.jpg

The sugar industry began in 1820 and employed native Hawaiians, Chinese and Japanese. The continental railroad was developed by Chinese workers earning a meager wage and was completed in 1869. The lack of land and capital owned by these people forced them into cheap labor positions of which the US took advantage.

2. Use as cheap laborers

The act prohibited immigration by those that were ineligible for citizenship. Previously existing laws prevented people of Asian lineage from nationalizing, thus resulting in the barring of Asian people from immigrating.

3. The Johnson-Reed Act

"There was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and christianize them as our fellow-men for whom Christ also died." – President McKinley.

The imperialist actions taken by the United States resulted in the claiming of the Philippines in 1902. Filipinos were seen as helpless people who needed the teachings and cultures of America.

4. Annexation of Philippines

Unlike previous events, this event still occurs today. The perpetual foreigner stereotype includes thoughts or actions by non-Asian Americans that marginalize the A/PIA cultures.

5. Perpetual Foreigner

The picture to the left was unlawfully taken by Virgin Mobil from a church website. The girl, Alison, is an American but is depicted as a geeky Asian pen pal. These stereotypes continue to set back Asian American cultures.

Annexation of Hawaii, Current Marginalization of Hawaiian CultureThese events could have easily been included on the top 5 listLack of Representation in Mainstream MediaAlthough still an issue, the reason for this is difficult to ascertain, and cannot be directly contributed to A/PIA marginalization

Also Considered