You are also an American


This is #LearnYourABCs. Since I was young, I’ve experienced countless forms of discrimination and oppression as an Asian American woman. However, I have been fortunate enough to grow up in a supportive home and be surrounded by a loving community of friends and adults who taught me the power of my own voice and beauty of my identity as an American Born Chinese (ABC). My goal with this project is to empower other ABCs and Asian Americans to let their voices be heard. Moreover, I hope to educate those who are willing to learn about Asian American oppression and the dangers of the Model Minority Myth (MMM) as well as countless other “positive” stereotypes.

谢谢, 欢迎您来到我的网站.


 

A Brief History Lesson

 

1859

 

Oregon’s Constitution is revised so that no “Chinaman” can own property in the state (Article XV, Section No. 8).

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1890

 

In San Francisco, the Bingham Ordinance prohibits Chinese people from either working or living in San Francisco unless in a location set apart for all Chinese individuals, creating a legally defined ghetto.

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1922

 

The US Cable Act states that any American women who marries an alien shall essentially cease to be a US citizen.

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1924

 

The US Immigration Act of 1924, or the Johnson-Reed Act, limits the number of immigrants permitted entry to the US through a national origins quota and completely prohibits any immigration from Asia.

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1966

 

The term “Model Minority” is first used by William Petersen in The New York Times Magazine to praise Asian Americans, specifically Japanese Americans, for their ability to “move forward” in society.

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2020

 

Trump uses the term “Chinese Virus” to refer to COVID-19 during a White House press conference on March 19.

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#LearnYourABCs Project

Follow the links below to view different aspects of this activism project

 

Organizations and Resources

 

Asian Culture Center.

The Asian Culture Center (ACC), an organization based on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University aims to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures, history, and issues as an integral part of the fabric of American life in the United States.

 

NAAAP.

The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) connects leaders across industries and communities through networking and educational events, trainings, community service programs, and celebrations of Asian American excellence throughout nationwide chapters (NAAAP).

 

“Remember that being Asian American does not mean you do not belong to either of those worlds. Instead, you are gifted with the ability to experience and cherish both as someone who is capable of understanding each unique culture.”

— Your Fellow ABC