As far back as the 1700s, the Asian race has been a target for racial discrimination. They have been made a comic relief on stage and in movies and have also been subject to social indignities such as slave labor and physical abuse. This all can, without a doubt, be traced back to a handful of stories passed about from American citizen to citizen, spreading the false image like a plague across the country. Though unjust and inaccurate, these racist stereotypes continue to be spread even to this day, causing a mass collection of harsh judgments and accusations to spiral in many different directions like twisting tree branches.
There are numerous different types of stories that have culminated in the last 200+ years putting the Asian race to shame. Though they were portrayed harshly in stage plays in the late 18th century, the typical Asian stereotype did not come into more popular use until the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. American workers in charge of the Asian immigrants that were shipped over for mining labor used such terms as "Yellowface", as in reference to the supposed yellow tint of their skin, and "Coolie" which was used to prevent unskilled workers from getting involved in skilled trade, saying that the Chinese slave work was "Coolie" work, referencing yet another racist term for a different race entirely. These harsh labels became more commonly used and continue to spawn more negative treatment for Asians seeking happiness in America.
Though, today, people are far more accepting of those of all races and backgrounds, this is a prime example of how a single story can spiral out of control and even still be effective over 200 years after its start. Hopefully, as the years go by, our race as humans can unite as one and move beyond petty judgments such as these.
Your post was very interesting and worded nicely. I liked how you talked about Chinese stereotypes because I feel like this subject is not talked about as much as other races.
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes I agree, wholeheartedly. The Asian race as a whole is something that has always peaked my interest. Their culture is one of respect and honor, all mixed together for one that definitely does not deserve discrimination, yet here we are haha.
DeleteI like how you added the ending paragraph. People are far more accepting these days. Single stories such as these can have a very negative effect on the way that people portray others.
ReplyDeleteDo you believe that people now a days are more accepting of others or do you think that people still have some racism in them?
ReplyDeleteI feel as though more people of this particular country today are more accepting then say those of 200 years ago, but will always be complimented with those who are not. People like that will never cease to exist.
DeleteIt's a shame what these people went through by just trying to look for work. These stereotypes should not be spread because they just leave a scar on those it is meant for.
ReplyDeletePrecisely. This whole entire planet would function so much easier and better if we all just united as one race: Human, because we certainly aren't the only race in the universe.
DeleteI honestly don't get why people discriminate and hate like this. Do they do it for their own amusement? Are they taught to be like this? I just hope one day we can all look past our differences and unite as one, just as you said.
ReplyDelete