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A review by kat07
Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People by Helen Zia
5.0
WOW!! So often when we think about history, we think of events that happened centuries ago. We need to rethink this framework to include events that also happened ten, twenty, thirty years ago. History is ongoing, and we need to consider how our actions and policies affect future groups and generations: Which groups will be minimalized by putting these policies in place? Do these groups have representation and a say as these policies are enacted?
This novel is a heavy read, but I don't think I could have picked a better informed one. I'm glad I read Minor Feelings first as an intro (see review in previous post), because this book went so much more in depth. Most of this history is from the 1900s, discussing prejudice and policies made specifically to limit Asian immigration, citizenship, and representation in government. It also discusses conflicts in identity, as Asian Americans often developed a learned status of silence and invisibility - it was sometimes easier to try to remain invisible when regularly switched between being perceived as either "the enemy" or the "model minority."
Topics addressed:
• Asian Americans internalizing the stereotypes and developing a learned status of silence and invisibility - becoming the "model minority"
• The Yellow Power Movement coining the term "Asian American" and fighting against discriminatory practices and views
• Racial tensions between Asian Americans and other groups (ex: African Americans saw Korean stores as a reminder of economic inequality)
• Representation in entertainment and these stereotypes leaking into Asian Americans' lives (victims of violence)
• Policies targeting specific Asian groups out of fear (Japanese, Chinese) or in conflict with traditional ways of life (ex: Native Hawaiians, Hmong)
This novel is a heavy read, but I don't think I could have picked a better informed one. I'm glad I read Minor Feelings first as an intro (see review in previous post), because this book went so much more in depth. Most of this history is from the 1900s, discussing prejudice and policies made specifically to limit Asian immigration, citizenship, and representation in government. It also discusses conflicts in identity, as Asian Americans often developed a learned status of silence and invisibility - it was sometimes easier to try to remain invisible when regularly switched between being perceived as either "the enemy" or the "model minority."
Topics addressed:
• Asian Americans internalizing the stereotypes and developing a learned status of silence and invisibility - becoming the "model minority"
• The Yellow Power Movement coining the term "Asian American" and fighting against discriminatory practices and views
• Racial tensions between Asian Americans and other groups (ex: African Americans saw Korean stores as a reminder of economic inequality)
• Representation in entertainment and these stereotypes leaking into Asian Americans' lives (victims of violence)
• Policies targeting specific Asian groups out of fear (Japanese, Chinese) or in conflict with traditional ways of life (ex: Native Hawaiians, Hmong)