Based on Chang’s book (Introduction chapter) discuss what some of the important aspects of the Chinese American experience
Individuals from China brought distinctive cultural traits to America. For instance, they made the Americans realize how important education was. Through education, people and especially Americans were able to acquire certain values that triggered the economic development of the country. Moreover, the interaction between Americans and the Chinese made it possible for the Americans to learn the art of entrepreneurship. Chinese people had knowledge of business as they acted as intermediaries between producers and consumers. Chinese, on the other hand, were able to gain knowledge of politics from Americans.
2 Discuss in what way their experience was similar to other minority groups in
America.
Just like other minority groups in the country, Chinese immigrants suffered from racial discrimination from Native Americans. They were denied access to essential facilities such as healthcare and educational facilities. They were also denied justice in courts of law whenever they reported a case. The Chinese immigrants were even denied the right to proper housing and ended up living in China towns.
4 Explain the impact of Chinese exclusion laws on Chinese in America.
Individuals of Chinese origin were denied the right t naturalization. Although they lived in America, such individuals were denied the right to become American citizens. As a result, they could not access national identity cards and could not take part in democratic processes such as voting.
10 Find out the naming system in Chinese family culture.
Ancient Chinese families believe that a child’s lineage is calculated based on the father’s side. According to the Chinese, men are the only individuals in the society who can inherit the membership of the family, Land, and any other type of inheritance in the family.
5 Discuss how teaching about China in American schools impacted the identity of
American-born Chinese.
Projection of a bad image of the Chinese people bred feelings of anger and dissatisfaction among American-born Chinese individuals. Such individuals therefore engaged in activism to fight and eradicate any biases in the country and especially against the Chinese people. Moreover, some of the Chinese individuals appreciated the efforts of those who came before them and especially after learning the hardships that their forefathers went through in America.
11 Discuss and comment on the Forbidden City nightclub.
The Forbidden City nightclub was named after the Ming Dynasty imperial palace. It thrived in San Francisco in the 1940s and 1950s. A daytime entertainment segment in the club involved a Chinese American dinner, which was followed by dancing. Besides, it captured the charm and fascination of the Chinese American nightclub. I think Forbidden City ushered in the golden age of Chinatown nightclubs. However, when the club was starting conservative Chinese parents did not want their children to become entertainers.