Michael Luo, the executive editor at The New Yorker and author of "Strangers in the Land," shares insights into the enduring struggles of Chinese Americans amid historical exclusion. He discusses the emotional complexities of belonging and identity shaped by personal and broader societal challenges. Luo explores the history of racism, from the Chinese Exclusion Act to contemporary issues, and highlights remarkable stories of resilience, like the Tape family's fight for equality, advocating for a narrative that honors diverse experiences in America's rich tapestry.
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Luo's Personal Racist Encounter
Michael Luo shared a personal racial slur incident in 2016 that sparked his interest in Asian American history.
The experience revealed ongoing anti-Asian sentiment and influenced his new book.
insights INSIGHT
Persistent Precarity in Asian Experience
Asian Americans experience a persistent sense of precarity despite successes and achievements.
Political tensions with China exacerbate racial suspicions against Asian Americans today.
insights INSIGHT
California's Pivotal Chinese History
California and San Francisco are central to Chinese American history, from the gold rush to exclusion laws.
The Chinese population once comprised around 10% of California, with significant early racial violence documented.
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Driven Out: The Forgotten War Against Chinese Americans
Driven Out: The Forgotten War Against Chinese Americans
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Gene Felser
Gene Felser's "Driven Out" delves into the largely forgotten history of anti-Chinese violence and discrimination in America. The book meticulously documents the systematic expulsion of Chinese communities from numerous towns and cities across the country. Felser's research reveals the brutality and injustice faced by Chinese immigrants, highlighting the widespread prejudice and systemic racism that fueled these actions. The book serves as a powerful reminder of a dark chapter in American history and the enduring legacy of these events. It offers a crucial perspective on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
Interior Chinatown
Charles Yu
In 'Interior Chinatown,' Charles Yu tells the story of Willis Wu, who perceives himself as merely a 'Generic Asian Man' in his own life. Working as a bit player in the fictional police procedural 'Black and White,' Willis dreams of becoming 'Kung Fu Guy,' the most respected role available to someone of his appearance. The novel, written in the format of a screenplay, delves into themes of pop culture, assimilation, and immigration, while critiquing the pervasive stereotypes and racism faced by Asian Americans. As Willis stumbles into the spotlight, he discovers the secret history of Chinatown and the buried legacy of his own family, leading to a profound exploration of identity and the American dream[1][3][5].
Strangers in their own land
Anger and Mourning on the American Right
Arlie Russell Hochschild
In this book, Arlie Russell Hochschild travels from her liberal hometown of Berkeley, California, to the conservative heartland of Louisiana to understand the rise of the Tea Party movement. She profiles individuals such as Mike Schaff, a former oil industry worker whose town was devastated by a drilling accident, and Lee Sherman, who suffered from toxic waste dumping. Hochschild seeks to overcome the 'empathy wall' between liberals and conservatives by exploring the deep emotional and social reasons behind their political views, including feelings of loss, anger, and a sense of betrayal. The book provides a nuanced understanding of why people might vote against their apparent self-interest and argues for the possibility of mutual compassion and understanding between the right and the left.
In 1889, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the now infamous Chinese Exclusion Act, which prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the country. Writing for the majority, Justice Stephen J. Field characterized Chinese migrants as “strangers in the land.” New Yorker editor Michael Luo says that label persists today, even as more than 22 million people of Asian descent now reside in the U.S. In a new history book, Luo tells the stories of 19th and 20th century Chinese migrants and analyzes the long tail of contemporary anti-Asian racism and violence while championing those who fought against it. We listen back.
Guests:
Michael Luo, executive editor, The New Yorker; author, “Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America”
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