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Ethnicity and Inequality in Asian American History: A Case Study of Hawai'i

D'Angelo Carter

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Published in Ethnicity And Inequality In Hawai I (Asian American History Cultu) (Asian American History And Culture)

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The history of Asian Americans in the United States is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both progress and inequality. Asian Americans have faced discrimination and prejudice throughout their history, but they have also made significant contributions to American society. The experience of Asian Americans in Hawai'i is a particularly unique and important one, as Hawai'i was the first state in the US to have a majority Asian American population.

This article will explore the history of ethnicity and inequality in Asian American history, with a particular focus on the experiences of Asians in Hawai'i. We will examine the various factors that have contributed to inequality, as well as the ways in which Asian Americans have resisted and overcome discrimination.

Ethnicity and Inequality in Hawai'i (Asian American History & Cultu) (Asian American History and Culture)

by Jonathan Y. Okamura

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	256 pages

Historical Context

The first Asians arrived in Hawai'i in the early 19th century, as part of the wave of labor immigration that followed the establishment of the sugar industry. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino workers were brought to Hawai'i to work on sugar plantations, and they soon became a majority of the population.

The experience of Asian Americans in Hawai'i was shaped by a number of factors, including the racial hierarchy that was in place in the islands. At the top of the hierarchy were white Americans, followed by native Hawaiians, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and Filipinos. This hierarchy was reflected in all aspects of life, from employment to education to housing.

Asian Americans in Hawai'i faced discrimination and prejudice from both white Americans and native Hawaiians. White Americans saw Asians as a threat to their economic and political power, while native Hawaiians resented the influx of Asian immigrants, who they perceived as taking away their land and resources.

Labor and Economic Inequality

One of the most significant sources of inequality for Asian Americans in Hawai'i was labor and economic discrimination. Asian workers were paid less than white workers for the same jobs, and they were often denied access to promotions and leadership positions. This discrimination was reflected in the occupational distribution of Asian Americans, who were concentrated in low-wage jobs in agriculture and service industries.

In addition to labor discrimination, Asian Americans in Hawai'i also faced economic discrimination in terms of access to land and credit. Asian farmers were often denied access to land, and Asian businesses were often denied loans. This made it difficult for Asian Americans to build wealth and establish financial security.

Social and Political Inequality

In addition to labor and economic inequality, Asian Americans in Hawai'i also faced social and political inequality. They were denied the right to vote and hold public office, and they were often segregated from white Americans and native Hawaiians in schools and other public spaces.

Asian Americans in Hawai'i also faced prejudice and discrimination in the criminal justice system. They were often arrested and convicted for crimes that white Americans would not have been charged with, and they were often given harsher sentences.

Resistance and Resilience

Despite the challenges they faced, Asian Americans in Hawai'i have always resisted and overcome discrimination. They have formed their own organizations and institutions to support each other, and they have worked to fight for their rights.

One of the most important ways that Asian Americans in Hawai'i have resisted inequality is through education. They have established their own schools and universities, and they have worked to improve the quality of education for all Asian American students.

Asian Americans in Hawai'i have also played a leading role in the labor movement. They have fought for better wages and working conditions, and they have helped to organize unions to protect their rights.

In addition to resistance, Asian Americans in Hawai'i have also demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. They have maintained their cultural traditions and values, and they have built strong communities that have supported them through difficult times.

The history of Asian Americans in Hawai'i is a story of both inequality and resilience. They have faced discrimination and prejudice throughout their history, but they have also made significant contributions to American society. The story of Asian Americans in Hawai'i is an important one to remember, as it reminds us of the challenges that Asian Americans have faced and the ways that they have overcome them.

As the United States continues to grapple with issues of race and inequality, the experiences of Asian Americans in Hawai'i can provide us with valuable lessons. We can learn from their struggles and triumphs, and we can build a more just and equitable society for all.

Ethnicity and Inequality in Hawai'i (Asian American History & Cultu) (Asian American History and Culture)

by Jonathan Y. Okamura

4.6 out of 5