Anti-Asian Riots

Aftermath of the riots in Vancouver Chinatown

1907 - September 7th - Vancouver BC

Angry mobs of Caucasian people paraded the streets of Chinatown and what was then known as Japantown. This was the result of anti Asian sentiments held by white males who feared losing jobs and women to their Asian counterparts. The riot was organised by the Asiatic Exclusion League and thousands of caucasians were involved in tormenting and vandalising the streets of Chinatown and Japantown. As mentioned in a previous post this came before the Chinese immigration act of 1923 which prevented any more Chinese people from entering Canada.

These riots in Vancouver's Chinatown were not the only riots that happened in North America. Similar riots also happened previously in areas such as California in 1877 where there was a lot of recurring anti Asian violence.

Its painful to hear that Asians were unliked so much that a riot had occurred harming many families and businesses who meant no harm and just wanted a life of their own. We have come quite far from the days of anti Asian riots - however I think this is just one of the many events in the past that people hold subconsciously in the media world. I think that somehow in the depths of some high powered executives - Asians are still seen as a threat, unwanted, or 'aliens' to our nation. Or perhaps these thoughts existed in the heads of previous leaders in the media and the trend has simply continued throughout the years.

The riot of 1907 is just another example of things I did not know - and I hope by mentioning it, readers come to appreciate the battles that our Asian Canadian pioneers endured.

- gko