What Do You Mean By That?

113: Anti-Asian Racism Ain't New, People


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In your elementary, middle, and high school years - what did you learn about Asian American history? Can you name even one specific thing that you learned about the role of Asians in American history? If you can't name many, you aren't alone - these weren't generally taught in schools when we were growing up. And given how things are slow to change, there's a high chance your children aren't learning these in school now either. The importance of representation in curriculum is a favorite topic of ours, and today we're turning this focus on the history of Asian Americans in the United States.

Because if you know the history, you'll know that anti-Asian racism ain't new, people. In fact, it's basically been built into American society for as long as Asians have been in this country. So get ready, because today we're going to anti-racism school.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at [email protected]

Things to listen for:

  • Specific histories of hate against Asians in American - including Yellow Peril, periods of disease-blaming, Japanese Incarceration, Vincent Chin, and more.
  • The institutional responses to anti-Asian hate (hint: it wasn't supportive of the Asian experience)
  • The erasure of Larry Itliong from the history of the Delano Grape Strike and the United Farm Workers foundation - especially in contrast with Cesar Chavez
  • What teachers, parents, and really everyone can do to make sure Asian American history gets taught in schools

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What Do You Mean By That?By Sara and Misasha

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