Strangers from a Different Shore : A History of Asian Americans Au of...

Rating:
Summary: "What's the Difference?"
Review: A common struggle exists for citizens of America, specifically Asian-Americans; the question ironically is: are we Americans at all? Hawaii, where Asians are the majority, sets the background for immigration in the early 1900's. Ronald Takaki does an excellent job of giving accurate details of the start of early 1st generation Asians.

Surprisingly unprejudiced, Takaki uses superb quotes to give opinions and feeling of the Asian-Americans. Along with emotional impact, _Strangers From a Different Shore_ contains many stories, statistics, and laws providing the sense of what rights and true freedom Asian-Americans really had in the land of equals.

A well researched book, with almost every paragraph containing reference to many other articles and books, Takaki provides specific sections for major Asian ethnicities, and general details for the many other countries out there. With details of competition of Asian races among each other, leaving nothing out. Takaki does not side to Japanese as the most neglected or accepted, and gives information of the faults of Japanese among the ethnicities as well.

_Strangers From a Different Shore_ also gives the dramatic accounts of WWII, a strong turning point from the involvement of Japan and its victims. Retelling the involvement of many Asians serving America's army, it also includes the story of the 442/100 and the internment/relocation (not concentration) of the Japanese

Jumping to current day society, Asians are still struggling to become part of America. Asians currently battling many stereotypes still, which are viewed as factual information, brings Takaki to dissect some of the newer passive racial markings.

I find this book dead accurate, and backed up very well (just look at the bibliography). I have found _Strangers From a Different Shore_ a great read and recommend this book to everyone. It might not provide the same experience as an Asian-American would have, but hopefully all can relate to it no matter what race.

Rating:
Summary: Asian American History X
Review: From the outset, I want to say that I like this book very much. It is one of the classics of Asian American history and it is certainly one of the best "one-stop shops" for a detailed, accurate historical account of the Asian American experience. Takaki makes some very useful contributions to our understanding of the major historical currents at work during the different periods of Asian migration and offers cogent reasons for why various Asian American communities look the way that they do. Finally, he does a great job of highlighting the differences between each of the groups that are lumped together under the term "Asian".

That being said, I also feel that Takaki compromises some of his historical mission through his constant need to include the voices of individual Asian Americans and their persecutors as a chorus in his work. While it is no doubt important to have people "testify" as to their experiences, I find myself wondering what other things they said that do not simply support the wonderfully direct narrative that he constructs. Moreover, there is so much in the way of anecdote and detail and so little in the way of deep analysis that in the end I wished that Takaki had applied his undoubted talents over a slightly smaller focus, the better to get at the underlying complexities. This is perhaps where ethnic studies and anthropology part company.

Please don't get me wrong, I think this book is a great improvement over Lynn Pan's trite journalism or some of the other so-called histories of our peoples. But, while I don't wish to denigrate Takaki's work, it seems a very small step from this work to the simple glorification of "experience" (even if it's "our" experience") at the expense of reasoned, careful analysis. Frank Chin has castigated Asian American writers for wallowing in self-revelation, and though I think Frank can be a bit of a grumpy old man at times, I have to say I agree with him. I understand that "Strangers" was originally written in a far different climate than the one which we now inhabit, a time when Asian-bashing was far less circumspect and Vincent Chin's memory was still fresh in everyone's mind. But I think we can do Vincent (and Amadou Diallo and all our other sisters and brothers in oppression), more justice if we THINK HARD about what it means to be someone of color in this country rather than simply FEEL.

That's my 2 cents anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Asian Americans: A neglected group in American History books
Review: Many Americans know about the wave of immigration from Southeast Asia that coincided with the end of the Vietnam Conflict. The exodus was motivated by fears of execution and political repression by the Communist regimes. However, few people know about Asian American history prior to the 1970s. The popular media perpetuate this ignorance; they portray Asian Americans as either recent immigrants or as first-generation Asian Americans. In the Joy Luck Club, there is not a single elderly Asian who was born in the United States. It is as though A.A. history began in the 1930s or 1970s. Fortunately, Ronald Takaki fills this gap with his book.

Takaki begins his book with the inhabitants of Hawaii. For many Americans, this state is like another country. Granted that it is not located on the continent and has spectacular scenaries, still Hawaii's exoticism is attributed mainly to its native-born. Hawaiians are a mixture of the indigenous population and various Asian groups such as Filipinos, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. The latter groups were brought to Hawaii to work on sugar cane plantations during the nineteenth century.

Takaki divides his book into sections, with each section focusing on a specific Asian American group.

There are the Chinese, most of which were men, who came during the nineteenth century in search of work with the hope of returning to China after several years of labor. Their plans were thwarted by bigotry in the form of violence and discriminatory laws. Many couldn't return to their homes and instead settled in enclaves throughout the Pacific Northwest, especially in San Francisco.

Takaki also discusses Western Asians. People generally associate Asians with people from Southeast Asia. However, inhabitants from the Punjab also immigrated to America. They too suffered from violence and prejudice, both from officials and mobs. Although Western Asians are Caucasians, many people didn't accept them because they had dark skins. They were associated with black Americans.

Koreans, Japanese, Filipinos, and Vietnamese also shared similar experiences with these two groups. All of these groups banded to form associations and ethnic towns to survive. All of their efforts were directed towards improving not their lives but the lives of their children.

Takaki's book discusses major events of the past two centuries and their impact on Asian Americans. This was especially true in the case of World War II and the Vietnam Conflict.

Takaki concludes with the current status of Asian Americans. The predominant view of A.A.s have changed from foreigner to model minorities. A.A.s are models for Hispanics who have become the predominant immigrant group in the 1990s. This success is distorted because there are many who live below the middle class.

Recently, there has been increased abuse against Asian Americans. For example, legislators and the media have criticized the Japanese for unfair trade practices and told people to buy `American.' Their fears grew to a general fear that the Japanese are taking over America by buying real estate such as Rockefeller Plaza. The media didn't mention the Canadians or Europeans who own more property in America. That scare demonstrates once again the `foreignness' of Asians and thus Asian Americans. Thus Asians and other non-Caucasians are `perpetual foreigners' so long as the standard for American society is Caucasian.

Rating:
Summary: Asian Americans: A neglected group in American History books
Review: Many Americans know about the wave of immigration from Southeast Asia that coincided with the end of the Vietnam Conflict. The exodus was motivated by fears of execution and political repression by the Communist regimes. However, few people know about Asian American history prior to the 1970s. The popular media perpetuate this ignorance; they portray Asian Americans as either recent immigrants or as first-generation Asian Americans. In the Joy Luck Club, there is not a single elderly Asian who was born in the United States. It is as though A.A. history began in the 1930s or 1970s. Fortunately, Ronald Takaki fills this gap with his book.

Takaki begins his book with the inhabitants of Hawaii. For many Americans, this state is like another country. Granted that it is not located on the continent and has spectacular scenaries, still Hawaii's exoticism is attributed mainly to its native-born. Hawaiians are a mixture of the indigenous population and various Asian groups such as Filipinos, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. The latter groups were brought to Hawaii to work on sugar cane plantations during the nineteenth century.

Takaki divides his book into sections, with each section focusing on a specific Asian American group.

There are the Chinese, most of which were men, who came during the nineteenth century in search of work with the hope of returning to China after several years of labor. Their plans were thwarted by bigotry in the form of violence and discriminatory laws. Many couldn't return to their homes and instead settled in enclaves throughout the Pacific Northwest, especially in San Francisco.

Takaki also discusses Western Asians. People generally associate Asians with people from Southeast Asia. However, inhabitants from the Punjab also immigrated to America. They too suffered from violence and prejudice, both from officials and mobs. Although Western Asians are Caucasians, many people didn't accept them because they had dark skins. They were associated with black Americans.

Koreans, Japanese, Filipinos, and Vietnamese also shared similar experiences with these two groups. All of these groups banded to form associations and ethnic towns to survive. All of their efforts were directed towards improving not their lives but the lives of their children.

Takaki's book discusses major events of the past two centuries and their impact on Asian Americans. This was especially true in the case of World War II and the Vietnam Conflict.

Takaki concludes with the current status of Asian Americans. The predominant view of A.A.s have changed from foreigner to model minorities. A.A.s are models for Hispanics who have become the predominant immigrant group in the 1990s. This success is distorted because there are many who live below the middle class.

Recently, there has been increased abuse against Asian Americans. For example, legislators and the media have criticized the Japanese for unfair trade practices and told people to buy 'American.' Their fears grew to a general fear that the Japanese are taking over America by buying real estate such as Rockefeller Plaza. The media didn't mention the Canadians or Europeans who own more property in America. That scare demonstrates once again the 'foreignness' of Asians and thus Asian Americans. Thus Asians and other non-Caucasians are 'perpetual foreigners' so long as the standard for American society is Caucasian.

Rating:
Summary: Well written book on the History of Asian Americans
Review: Ronald Takaki did an excellent job in writing the Asian Americans experience from the first generation of immigrants to current issues that are affecting Asian Americans today. One of Takaki's aims in this book is to tell his readers the role of Asian-Americans in shaping the history of America. Many, he believes, held the view that being an American means being "white" which is far from the truth.

Takaki uses a variety of sources such as personal recollection, oral testimonies, newspapers, court cases, personal observations, among others. This makes his writings very credible indeed.

One of Takaki's aim is to bring a deeper understanding of Asian-Americans to his readers. Reading his book enables you to understand the Asian culture, their beliefs, ideas and why they become who they are today. Besides that, Takaki does not focus on only one ethnic group but several others that make up the so called "Asian American" minority group.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Asian Americans and the roles they played in shaping America today. It is important to learn about different ethnic group as the history of America is essentially a history of immigrants and it is important for us not to neglect this minority group which has made tremendous contributions to the nation and its society.

Rating:
Summary: Get Ready, Get Set, And go Try To Understand Where I Stand
Review: Ronald Takaki's Strangers From A Different Shore is not your typical history book. I find it more as a sit-down-and-drink-your-coffee book. This book is very interesting read as it is an addictive page turner. I was required to read this book for Professor Susie Ling's Asain American History class at Pasadena City College.

The experiences of Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, Filipino Americans, Koreans Americans, Asain Indian Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Cambodian Americans, Hmong Americans, and Laotian Americans were very emotional, true, surprising and interesting. However, I was dissapointed that Ronald Takaki did not elaborate on the Thai Americans. As a Chinese woman born in Thailand (forth generation Chinese Thai), I was dissatisfied with the information on Thai Americans. First of all, Ronald Takaki did not mention a lot about the Thai immigrants. In fact, I don't recall any memory of them.

In addition, when he did mention the Thai people, he protrayed only the Thai pirates that killed and raped Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War.

I feel as though he neglected to give the diverse experiences of this minority group. In spite of the fact that there are not as many Thais compared to the other Asian ethnic groups, they must be represented. They are part of the Asian community, and moreover, they are diverse in all socio-economical levels.

On the other hand, Ronald Takaki did give a little history about the Mexicans Americans and Afican Americans. Which I thought was very important and stimulating to learn about.

On the whole, other than the neglection of the Thai Americans, this book is fun and stimulating to read. Ronald Takaki can really protray the experiences of the Asian Amreicans and make students like me relate to them.

I recommend this book to whoever is interested in history in general, American history or people who would like to read this book over the coffee table... :-)~D

Lina Chai

Rating:
Summary: Not your typical history book
Review: Ronald Takaki's Strangers From A Different Shore is not your typical history book. I find it more as a sit-down-and-drink-your-coffee book. This book is very interesting read as it is an addictive page turner. I was required to read this book for Professor Susie Ling's Asain American History class at Pasadena City College.

The experiences of Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, Filipino Americans, Koreans Americans, Asain Indian Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Cambodian Americans, Hmong Americans, and Laotian Americans were very emotional, true, surprising and interesting. However, I was dissapointed that Ronald Takaki did not elaborate on the Thai Americans. As a Chinese woman born in Thailand (forth generation Chinese Thai), I was dissatisfied with the information on Thai Americans. First of all, Ronald Takaki did not mention a lot about the Thai immigrants. In fact, I don't recall any memory of them.

In addition, when he did mention the Thai people, he protrayed only the Thai pirates that killed and raped Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War.

I feel as though he neglected to give the diverse experiences of this minority group. In spite of the fact that there are not as many Thais compared to the other Asian ethnic groups, they must be represented. They are part of the Asian community, and moreover, they are diverse in all socio-economical levels.

On the other hand, Ronald Takaki did give a little history about the Mexicans Americans and Afican Americans. Which I thought was very important and stimulating to learn about.

On the whole, other than the neglection of the Thai Americans, this book is fun and stimulating to read. Ronald Takaki can really protray the experiences of the Asian Amreicans and make students like me relate to them.

I recommend this book to whoever is interested in history in general, American history or people who would like to read this book over the coffee table... :-)~D

Lina Chai

Rating:
Summary: From a Different Shore
Review: We're all pretty familiar with the immigration patterns that came to our east cost through time in such places as Ellis Island. However, pacific immigration and immigration to Hawaii have received less attention. He deals with Angel Island, the Ellis Island of the west coast and the life off immigrant emplyed in Hawaii agriculture. Takaki looks at this pattern of immigration from the arrival of the first Chinese in California in the 1840s. He covers a lot of asain ethnic groups like the Chinese, Japanese, Asian Indians, and Korean. He looks at immigration through the present and different legislation like the Chinese Exclusion Act, immigration act of 1924 that basically cut of Asian immmigration and the immigration act of 1965 that reopened Asian immigration. Takaki looks at the hearships and racism that affected these immigrant. In addition, Takaki focuses on the adjustments, how they lived and how their children born in this country were treated. Present Asian-Americans concerns are presented like anti-Asian violence like the murder of Vincent Chin and the Dotbusters.

Rating:
Summary: Take Two - The Asian American Experience Revisited
Review: What was useful to me as a new scholar in the area of migration studies is that in Strangers from a Different Shore, Takaki's makes extensive use of numbers - mixed in with a plethora of anecdote. Once again, we are beset with the notion that there are statistics and such. What was really missing, at least for me, was the framing of the Asian American experience (of which Takaki is somewhat self-reflective but contradictory here - since there really is no homogenous 'Asian American' experience per se) within the framework of world migration. As much as the anecdotes and references to numbers are concerned they do have explanatory powers but then both are not really examined against hard core migration theory - so in some places the book fails as history. Nonetheless, Takaki's narrative of first generation immigrants is compelling and very accessible and prompts us to ask some fairly fundamental questions.

Takaki does move us to ask the very fundamental questions about what it is to be American. He uses a variety of sources - much of which, as indicated above - are problematically anecdotal. Nonetheless, Takaki paints a picture that is in many places lucid. Takaki also provide an explanation for the landscape of modern day demographics and gives the reader a broad base to work with to understand the modern day ethnic dynamic in America. Takaki is far-reaching use of the immigrants own voice. However, the question we are faced with is this 'really' reflective of the Asian American voice or does Takaki's examination have an agenda - not that that is bad or wrong per se, it just has to be recognized.

I was somewhat disenchanted that Takaki did not provide more detail on the Thai and Hmong Americans. Takaki's examination of the Thai examination was noted only relation to that of the Vietnamese experience and it was certainly not very flattering either way. Also, if Takaki is completely accurate about the Asian Indian experience does this mean that most Asian Indian immigrants to the US are from the Punjab - or at least at the time that Takaki is focusing on? On the other hand, examining anything from a regional studies perspective is always tricky as there are criteria for inclusion and exclusion. What is it really to be Asian American? Where does Asia 'really' start and end? Is Takaki 'really' focusing on East Asia when he writes extensively about the American Chinese and American Japanese experience? How is the rest of Asia 'really' treated? Who defines 'Southeast Asia'? Where Takaki sometimes falls short, at least for me, is how he defines what. It is not entirely crucial, per se - just that it would be more helpful to see where and how he came up with some of his categories. Although Takaki does provide extensive detail in relation to particular 'Asian American' groups, in a way I still have mixed feelings about how he divided the book into sections then focused on those particular 'Asian American' groupings. You would not think by reading this but I do recommend the book highly if only for its extensive scope.

Miguel Llora