Apologies? To Chinese-Americans? Progress!
Five members of Congress on May 26, 2011 announced the introduction of a resolution which calls Congress to express regret over the anti-Chinese laws approved at the turn of the 20th century. We applaud the following politicians of taking such an act and trying to bring some equality. Asian Americans is undoubtedly ignored in the past when injustices arise, but I am encouraged by progress we have made:
- Judy Biggert, Illinois
- Judy Chu, California
- Mike Coffman, Colorado
- Diane Feinstein, California
- Scott Brown, Massachusetts
This isn’t highlighted in many history books, but about a century ago when many Chinese came to the US to seek a better life, they faced harsh conditions including ones passed by Congress. Equality was not for everyone apparently. They didn’t have the same basic rights that other immigrants had. These acts fostered an environment of hatred and prejudice towards Chinese resulting in murders, abuse, and harassment.
Chinese Exclusion Laws passed between 1870 and 1904 including the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882. These were not overturned until 1943! This was mainly due as a response when China became a US ally in World War II. Apologies are long overdue.
Congress, do the right thing!
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