Anti-Asian Immigration....

I am a little ashamed to admit that I know so little about ANA history. I was amazed to find out so many things in a short span of time - things which I never knew and things that I thought could never happen, nonetheless happen in my own country! (this is a primary reason for this blog -- to share what I have learned and educate people like me who neglected to acknowledge ANA history).

Part of the reason why I think my knowledge about ANA history is so low is simply because it is not focused upon in our education system. From what I remember, the history we learned in elementary and high school was about The world wars, the Metis, Canadian exploration, and even some Spanish history (for me). Looking back, I feel brainwashed because the history we learned in school was 'boring' to me and learning about it made me dislike the subject of 'history'. Hence a reason why I have stopped paying much attention to history is because I find it boring and unrelatable - until now that is!

To start off the Historical Happenings section, I will share with you the first two dates of importance to me - 1882 and 1923. Why are these dates important? Further - why are these dates important to understanding the question 'where the asians at?'....?

1882 - The U.S of A government passes the Chinese Exclusion Act which disallows entry of Chinese labourers into the country for a period of 10 years. 

1923 - The Canadian government follows suit and passes The Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 which also prohibits Chinese persons from entering Canada.

The main reason for the passing of these two acts was to prevent the Chinese from 'taking over' as the Chinese were seen as a threat because they could potentially take away jobs or women from the European settlers. The early Asians who immigrated to North America  were taken advantage of as they were only deemed 'useful' citizens when they were working on the rail roads. After the rail roads were completed their purpose was fulfilled and they became threats once they wanted to settle in North America themselves.

Asian workers who were alienated after completion of the rail roads

Asians were feared and despised so much they couldn't even step foot in Canada. Insane! Its insane especially how different it is today.... yet not too long ago, all this happened - it's a little scary to think how short of a time it is from present day and these anti Asian acts. And I can't help but think that because Asians were so unwanted previously, that people are afraid to address the situation and just tend to ignore it - for example, a casting director may choose to avoid casting Asians in fear that some viewers still have anti-Asian sentiments.