How Bigotry in Business was met by Asian-American Solidarity
Synopsis
In 1867, 2,000 workers went on strike during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, where over 15,000 Chinese laborers faced racism and violence.
Synopsis
Yoonj Kim speaks with Lisa Sasaki, Interim Director of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, about the role of Chinese laborers in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. In 1867, 2,000 workers went on strike, while over 15,000 Chinese laborers faced dangerous conditions and discrimination. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act marked a significant moment in U.S. history. Today, anti-Asian sentiment has resurfaced, resulting in closed businesses and hate crimes against Asian-Americans. The discussion connects past injustices to current challenges.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Lisa Sasaki, Interim Director of the Smithsonian Museum.
- Find out how the Chinese Exclusion Act shaped immigration policy.
- See the impact of COVID-19 on Asian-American businesses.
Did You Know
- In 1867, 2,000 workers went on strike during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
- Over 15,000 Chinese laborers worked on the railroad, facing racism and violence.
- The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act was the first law to suspend immigration for a nationality.
- The majority of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. came from Europe, not Asia.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Chinese laborers worked on the Transcontinental Railroad?
Over 15,000 Chinese laborers worked on the Transcontinental Railroad.
What was the Chinese Exclusion Act?
The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed in 1882, was the first and only legislation to explicitly suspend immigration for a nationality.
What economic impact did the coronavirus have on Asian-American businesses?
Asian-American businesses faced economic stress for months due to unwarranted blame for the coronavirus and a rise in anti-Asian sentiment.
What are people saying?
Play More Like This
Browse more like this
Related Films
Is this your film?
If you made this film or hold the rights to it, we'd like to talk. We can license it and pay you a share of what it earns.
Comments