No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp 218: Michael Luo: Strangers in the Land
Jul 14, 2025
Michael Luo, the executive editor of The New Yorker and author of Strangers in the Land, shares an insightful journey triggered by a racial incident in Manhattan. He delves into the overlooked history of Chinese exclusion in America, examining the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and its lasting impacts. Luo connects past struggles with today's race and immigration issues, highlighting stories of resilience and solidarity among marginalized communities. He also discusses the intersection of faith and journalism, emphasizing the importance of ethical reporting for justice.
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Michael Luo's Personal Incident
- Michael Luo shares a personal experience of being told "go back to China" on a Manhattan sidewalk in 2016.
- This incident sparked his journey to explore and write about Chinese exclusion history in America.
Narrative History of Chinese Exclusion
- The book narrates Chinese exclusion history from the gold rush to the 1960s.
- It explores the multiracial migration experiment on the Pacific coast and how Chinese people fared.
Chinese Exclusion and Violence
- The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred Chinese laborers from entering the US, the first racial immigration ban.
- Communities violently expelled Chinese residents in the 1880s, resembling pogroms like the Rock Springs massacre.
