Title

A Study of Asian American Issues in the United States

Author(s)

Nicoline Pedersen, University of San Diego
Krista Celo, University of San Diego
Eden Stilman, University of San Diego
Seren Ventullo, University of San Diego

Files

Course

ETHN 250: Introduction to Asian American Studies

Publication Date

Fall 2020

Disciplines

Asian American Studies | Ethnic Studies

Description, Abstract, or Artist's Statement

Throughout this zine you will explore a variety of obstacles that Asian Americans have faced in regards to their immigration and acclimation into American society and culture. Over the last century, individuals from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have either migrated to America in hopes of a better life, or have been forced out of their homes due to war conflicts or as a necessity for cheap labor. Despite the means of their arrival, Americans have historically maintained an imperialistic outlook that America is the superior country. While the white American believes he is saving these transpacific countries from savagery, Asian migrants have consistently been marginalized and discriminated against due to their skin color, native language, and perceived 'feminized/animalistic' qualities. The inherent racism within American and western culture has led to hate crimes, internment of entire races, and exclusion. Asian Americans have had to suppress their culture and display their American patriotism in hopes of acceptance. While Asian migrants struggle to acclimate into a new life, America is constantly sending troops to colonize and exploit their native countries further oppressing Asian communities whilst promising betterment. Each section of the zine is an overview of an article or novel that delves into the hardships propagated by American imperialism. Although most of the topics are reflections of past occurrences, we encourage our readers to consider the implications of colonialism and western hegemony on the current oppressive reality of Asian Americans. While America has seemingly progressed in many ways, the persisting issues of racism manifested in inequitable legislation and anti-Asian sentiment continue to inhibit America from eradicating the defining feature of oppression within society. This zine should not serve as a reflection of how far America has progressed, but rather of how much America still has to learn.

Digital USD Citation

Pedersen, Nicoline; Celo, Krista; Stilman, Eden; and Ventullo, Seren, "A Study of Asian American Issues in the United States" (2020). Ethnic Studies Student Zines. 15.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/ethn-zines/15