Chinese-Mexican History - Laszlo chats with Hugo Wong
Sep 13, 2024
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In this enlightening discussion, Hugo Wong delves into the rich history of Chinese immigrants in Mexico, sharing his own ancestry from Guangdong. He recounts the fascinating journey of his ancestors, including Wong Fook Chun's notable role in the past. The conversation touches on the initial acceptance and eventual discrimination of the Chinese community under Porfirio Diaz, as well as the tragic Torreon massacre of 1911. Wong also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of Chinese migrants throughout Latin America, shedding light on their often-overlooked legacy.
The podcast explores the underrecognized history of Chinese immigration to Mexico, highlighting the contrasting experiences of Wong Fook Chun and Leung Hing.
Systemic racism against the Chinese in Mexico, despite their contributions to the economy, culminated in tragedies like the Torreon Massacre during the Mexican Revolution.
Deep dives
The Early Lives of Wong Fun Chuk and Leung Hing
Wong Fun Chuk and Leung Hing migrated from Guangdong province to the United States in the 1870s, seeking escape from poverty and disasters. Funchuk, educated and more privileged, benefited from a missionary family in San Francisco, which provided him with foundational American values. In contrast, Hing came from a poorer background, struggling to repay his ticket to America while working in harsh conditions. After the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, both men found a new opportunity in Mexico, eventually becoming successful businessmen and integrating into society through marriage.
Impact of Anti-Chinese Sentiment
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, combined with a wave of anti-Chinese violence in the U.S., forced many Chinese migrants to seek refuge in Mexico. Unlike the well-organized immigration policies in the U.S., Mexico at the time had almost no formal restrictions on Chinese immigration, welcoming them as laborers for its growing economy. As a result, it is estimated that over 60,000 Chinese entered Mexico between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, many would eventually face discrimination and violence in Mexico, mirroring their experiences in the U.S.
Porfirio Diaz's Influence on Chinese Mexicans
Porfirio Diaz, who ruled Mexico for nearly three decades, both encouraged and exploited Chinese immigration as a means to support industrial labor needs. Despite this necessity, the Chinese faced systemic racism and were often seen disdainfully by Mexican society, referred to derogatorily as 'Motors de Sangre.' While they were beneficial laborers, their economic successes eventually incited resentment among the local population. The dynamic of necessity and disdain under Diaz set the stage for the vulnerabilities that would lead to violence against the Chinese community during the Mexican Revolution.
The Aftermath of the Torreon Massacre
The Torreon Massacre in 1911 saw hundreds of Chinese people killed, fueled by anti-foreign sentiment during the Mexican Revolution. This event marked the largest single massacre of Chinese in American history, targeting a thriving Chinese community that had established significant economic influence. The aftermath saw the loss of numerous businesses and properties, creating fear and mistrust that would linger within the diaspora. In the following years, both the U.S. and Mexican governments reacted to the violence, with investigations and reparations discussed but largely unfulfilled.
First off, let me apologize for the less-than-optimal audio quality. This is a very informative interview. And for those of you who missed my very old episode from 2013 or thereabouts covering this topic, this discussion will be a real eye-opener. The history of the Chinese immigrant experience in Mexico (and Latin America) is not that well known. Hugo's ancestors emigrated to Mexico from Guangdong back in the 19th century. One of them, Wong Fook Chun was a major figure in the history of those times and he had an interesting interaction with the Qing-era reformer Kang Youwei. I hope you'll suffer through the lousy audio and that you'll get a lot out of this episode. Chinese-Mexican history was once filled with tragedy and violence. Again, sorry about the audio quality. Here's a link to his book, "America's Lost Chinese: The Rise and Fall of a Migrant Family Dream": https://a.co/d/0Yh5LiZ