Synopses & Reviews
The Chinese Americans is the definitive source on the entire Chinese American experience, from Chinese sailors first arriving in the 1780s up to today. The most authoritative and comprehensive in scope, this volume chronicles the history of the Chinese diaspora to the United States and the economic, social, and political struggles of Chinese Americans, one of our largest and most prominent ethnic groups. Along with a survey of Chinese American contributions to art, literature, and film, Tong presents a thoughtful look at the fluid Chinese American identities, through the lenses of the "model minority," assimilation, evolving family life, women's roles, and gays and lesbians. Biographical portraits of many notable Chinese Americans enhance the text.
Synopsis
The volume begins with an overview of China in the Late Qing period, setting the stage for the successive waves of Chinese immigration to the United States. Chinese Americans, like other immigrants, have come to seek their fortune, and each generation has newly negotiated their position in society and their ethnic identity as they try to support their families. Students, teachers, and interested readers will follow the progress of these immigrants as they become part of the American mosaic and learn about the problems they have encountered along the way and continue to encounter such as racism and job discrimination. Their contributions to building this country and shaping U.S. history are discussed in terms of a complex relationship with the larger community.
Synopsis
The definitive source on the Chinese American experience
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [219]-235) and index.
About the Author
BENSON TONG is Assistant Professor of History in the Department of History at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.
Table of Contents
Series Foreword
Preface
Roots of a Diaspora: Chinese Culture and Society in the Late Qing Period
Travelers to Gold Mountain: Immigration, Labor, and Exclusion
Nationalism and Americanization Before World War II
New Ties and New Lives in Cold War America
Socioeconomic Mobility and the Ethnic Economy
Political Mobilization and Empowerment
The Arts and Chinese Americans
Chinese American Families and Identities
Appendix
Selected Bibliography
Index