AAPI History Is American History

I know what you’re thinking. May has come and gone, so why am I still talking about AAPI heritage and history? It’s JULY, for crying out loud! We should be all about celebrating Independence Day and enjoying summer activities like BBQs and camping. (You know, fun stuff that I can’t really relate to.) Well, for one, I’ve been struggling with writer’s block on topics other than fan fiction—classic self-sabotage. And two, just as Black history is integral to American history, every month is a perfect opportunity to learn about AAPI history.

Sure, AAPI Heritage Month is nice, but last I checked, I’m Asian American every single day—not just in May. Whether it’s blatant violence or subtle microaggressions, I’m constantly reminded of my identity in America. White Americans have a knack for making sure I don’t forget.

Given the recent rise in anti-Asian hate, we could all benefit from a deeper understanding of the rich and complex history of Asians and Pacific Islanders in America—and the histories of the places our ancestors came from. (But let’s be honest, has the hate ever really been absent?)

I firmly believe that our origins shape our futures—and many of us, whether of AAPI descent or not, lack knowledge of where we come from, which hinders our understanding of where we’re headed. This gap in knowledge leads to a distorted narrative about America, who qualifies as American, and who deserves a thriving life here. (Spoiler alert: it often favors white people. POC can occasionally achieve the American Dream, but only if it fits neatly into the right narrative that allows white Americans to feel good about themselves.)

Did you know the first Filipinos arrived near Morro Bay, California, in 1587, 33 years before the Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock? Or that in 1763, Filipinos imprisoned on a Spanish galleon escaped in New Orleans and established the first documented Filipino settlement in America?

Why AAPI Heritage Is Important

AAPI Heritage

It’s crucial to recognize AAPIs as part of American history for two main reasons. First, it’s simply factual. Second, it’s essential because Asian Americans are often seen as eternally foreign—treated as outsiders rather than integral contributors to American history. This perception is manipulated by white people to undermine Black communities from the get-go. After the emancipation of enslaved Black individuals, the South imported Chinese laborers fleeing famine in their homeland as cheap labor, rather than fairly compensating Black workers.

Asian Americans often find themselves invisible, leveraged as a tool to oppress other marginalized communities, all while remaining unaware of the violent and racist history faced by our ancestors. Furthermore, many don’t realize how U.S. and European military actions have influenced Asian immigration experiences, as well as the devastation faced by Pacific Islanders due to colonization.

You might be familiar with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited immigration from specific ethnic groups and led to family separations and lost businesses. But are you aware of the multiple massacres, lynchings, and riots that targeted Chinese and Filipino communities in California during the late 1800s? Do you know how the CIA betrayed the Hmong during the Vietnam War, forcing them to flee after serving as spies? The Hmong were just one segment of the Southeast Asian refugees who resettled in America due to U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.

We’ve been sold the myth of the Model Minority by white supremacy. We’re so caught up in respectability politics and trying to assimilate—survival tactics of an oppressed people—that we become pawns in a larger game. These tactics keep minorities divided, preventing us from uniting against the stranglehold that white supremacy has on our systems, laws, and social beliefs.

Where to Begin?

I get it, it can be overwhelming. There are 45 countries under the AAPI umbrella, and honestly, I can barely name all 50 states. (Do the middle ones even count?) But I refuse to accept that as an excuse.

If you can figure out how to bake artisanal sourdough bread using yeast collected from your home, you can certainly take the time to learn about AAPI history and contributions. Google is at your fingertips, and a simple search for “Asian American History” will yield enough information to make you a bit less ignorant.

As a helpful start, check out these resources:

The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee
This book provides a broad overview of Asian American history that spans centuries and oceans. Be prepared to digest it in pieces, as it’s a lot—and much of it will undoubtedly anger you.
Asian Americans (PBS, 2020)
If you prefer watching to reading, this five-hour PBS documentary offers a quick yet insightful history of Asian Americans, making it accessible for the entire family.
A People’s History of Asian America (CAAM, PBS Digital Studios, 2021)
Created in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate, this four-part mini-series addresses critical issues and can be viewed online.

Additionally, seek out local or online discussions led by AAPIs or engage in activities that explore AAPI cultures and histories. If you want something less cerebral, indulge in the art, food, and creativity of the AAPI diaspora.

Many of us fail to recognize how white supremacy and revisionist history have exploited AAPIs and people of color, only serving to harm everyone involved, including white individuals. Until we are acknowledged as human beings—contributors to America and civil rights activists—AAPIs will continue to be erased, and that’s a future I will not accept.