Chinese in the United States. «Model minority»: myth or reality

 
PIIS013038640011368-2-1
DOI10.31857/S013038640011368-2
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Affiliation: Institute of World History, RAS
Address: Russian Federation, Moscow
Journal nameNovaia i noveishaia istoriia
EditionIssue 5
Pages168-180
Abstract

An integral part of the world historical process is immigration which plays an important role in sociocultural transformation of modern states. Thanks to them civilized space is becoming dispersive and diversity of population is increasing, so the problem of integration into a new life, a new culture, a new civilization is becoming rather difficult. This article is devoted to the study of the path of “entry” of Chinese immigrants into the “American world” and the perception of Chinese by the Anglo-Saxon America. The reception of immigrants from China in the United States was hostile almost from the start. Even before their arrival many white Americans held pejorative ideas about newcomers. White Americans treated them with contempt and, moreover, their racial differences separated them from each other. As a result, the Chinese faced racist laws and actions and were excluded from American life, becoming forgotten citizens. The American society categorically did not want to accept them, considering them people of low intellectual level, "outsiders", unable to assimilate. To survive in a new sociocultural space, immigrants from China formed Chinatowns, recreating their homeland, their own world, ensuring their security. In response to racial discrimination, humiliation, and cruel treatment, the Chinese diaspora used judicial system, diplomatic channels, and other ways to defend their civil rights. Today Chinese Americans are viewed by political and academic communities as a «model minority» and this narrative has become a subject of many discussions and debates among historians, sociologists, and other specialists.

KeywordsUSA, Chinese immigrants, «yellow peril», stereotypes, challenge, «model minority»
Received15.06.2020
Publication date21.10.2020
Number of characters39955
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