History 346: Introduction to Asian American History

Prof. J. Wu

Questions for the following readings:

Ron Takaki, pp. 406-509 and

“Success Story of One Minority Group in U.S.”

Questions:

1. How do international and domestic politics during the post-World War II influence the status of Asian Americans?

2. Discuss the similarities and differences between the various Asian immigrant groups who came to the United States after 1965.

3. Compare the first and second waves of Asian immigration to the United States. Consider the background, motivation, and experiences of immigrants of the post-1965 era compared to the immigrants of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. What is the “Model Minority” thesis? Characterize the historical context that fostered the idea. Is the thesis an accurate portrayal of Asian American experiences?

5. What does the 1992 Los Angeles Riot reveal about race relations between white Americans, Korean Americans, and African Americans?

6. Identify the terms and explain their significance for Asian Americans

“forced integration”

Proposition 15 and 13

1952 McCarran-Walter Act

1950 McCarran Internal Security Act

“Confession Program”

War Brides Act

Immigration Act of 1965

bipolar community

occupational downgrading

underemployment

glass ceiling

“brain drain”

sudden-death syndrome

relocation depression

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