Ethnic Studies: Asian Immigrants

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts from the lecture on Asian immigrants, focusing on their historical experiences, cultural backgrounds, and societal interactions.

Asian Immigrants

Individuals from Asian countries who migrated to the United States for various reasons, including economic opportunities and escaping hardships.

Chinatowns

Urban enclaves established by Chinese immigrants, often functioning as cultural hubs and commercial centers.

Sojourners

Temporary migrants who planned to stay in a new location for a limited time.

Issei

First generation Japanese immigrants to America, who did not gain citizenship until 1952.

Nissei

Second generation Japanese Americans, born in the U.S., who were citizens at birth.

Picture Brides

A system where Japanese men arranged marriages with women in Japan by sending photographs, enabling immigration to the U.S.

Benevolent Associations

Community organizations based on geographic or familial ties that provide support and welfare for members.

Alien Land Law

1913 legislation preventing non-citizens, particularly Japanese immigrants, from owning land in the U.S.

Exclusion Act of 1882

Legislation that prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering the U.S., reflecting growing racial hostility.

Four-stage response to prejudice

A social response framework consisting of involuntary reaction, defensive insulation, voluntary segregation, and gradual assimilation.

Canton

The city in China where the first U.S. consul was stationed in 1794.

Civil War impact

The Civil War created a demand for labor in the West, increasing Chinese immigration.

Vietnamese immigration

Significant influx of Vietnamese refugees to the U.S. after the Vietnam War, particularly those who had worked with U.S. forces.

Bipolar occupational distribution

A significant disparity in job types between different racial groups, exemplified by high percentages of Asians in professional roles versus low-skilled jobs.

Sociohistorical perspective

The analysis of social and historical factors that influence immigrant experiences and interactions in society.

Naturalized citizens

Immigrants who have gained U.S. citizenship through legal processes.

Cultural Differentiation

Variations in cultural practices and beliefs among different immigrant groups.

Extended family

A family structure that includes several generations and additional relatives beyond the nuclear family.

Prostitution phenomenon

The rise of sex work among Chinese women due to skewed male-to-female ratios in immigrant populations.

Intermarriage laws

Legal restrictions against marriage between different races, prevalent in many U.S. states until the late 20th century.

Cultural institutions

Structures within a culture that facilitate the maintenance and transmission of customs, beliefs, and social practices.

Hostility towards Asians

The discrimination and negative attitudes faced by Asian immigrants in the U.S. throughout history.

Sansei

Third generation Japanese Americans, born after World War II, seeking to connect with their heritage.

Mental illness rates

Heightened levels of psychological disorders within specific immigrant communities attributed to stress from adaptation.

Ranch hands

Laborers who worked on large farms or ranches, particularly during the peak of Chinese immigration.

Cultural preservation

Efforts by immigrant communities to maintain their traditions and cultural identity in a new environment.

Railroad construction workers

Laborers primarily from the Chinese community who played a critical role in building America's railroads.

Racist attacks

Violent actions motivated by racial hatred, frequently directed against Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century.

Stereotyping

The oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group that can lead to discrimination and prejudice.

Judicial activism

Court-led initiatives to extend civil rights and challenge discriminatory laws against immigrants.

Cultural adaptability

The ability of immigrant groups to adjust and integrate into a new society while retaining essential aspects of their culture.

Community agencies

Organizations that assist refugees and immigrants in adapting to life in a new country.

Demographics of Asian immigrants

Statistical data regarding the characteristics and distribution of Asian populations in America.