Chinese Immigration in the Late 19th Century

Overview:

In West Coast cities of the United States that were considered ideal destinations for immigrants all across the nation, the Chinese seemed to win the title of being most inferior in the political, economic, and social aspects of society. They were considered so inferior that other cultural groups even looked at the Chinese as being inferior to the Americans. During the 1870s and 1880s, discrimination against the Chinese seemed to be more of a requirement in society, as the public saw depictions in postcards, magazines, tradecards, and advertisements. Pay attention, in particular, to how the physical appearance of the Chinese affected their workforce and daily life in the exhibits labeled Their Face says it All, and The “Talking” Ponytail.

Only so many immigrants can come to America without action being taken to control them. The working middle class especially had the effect of initiating legislation to address the issues of immigration, and of Chinese immigration in particular, as they rioted and formed strikes against their employers and big businesses in effort to gain or perhaps revive some of their labor rights. Politics played a role on the issue of immigration and minority groups as these problems began to affect the nation as a whole. But nevertheless, the forms of discrimination were so strongly practiced against the Chinese in that it was believed that just because of their physical appearance they would never be able to be accepted into society.

Featured Exhibit

Discrimination in Action

Americans looked down on the Chinese and avoided any effort to include them in society in treating them equally. They...

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Words are pour means to express my feelings

Featured Exhibit

Discrimination in Action

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