Week 9 _ Wenru Shi _ A01

Week 9 _ Wenru Shi _ A01

I agreed with what Omatsu mentioned in the article “The ‘Four Prisons’ and the Movements of Liberation” that many so-called ethnic study classes like Asian American classes sometimes narrow the definition of some movements. These classes just aim for having a “great lecture” instead of inspiring students to find the roots behind them. When it happens, we have to pay more attention to these class structures because it further reflects the social engineering through public education. By introducing some so called history and their influences, these classes can let students to use scantrons to select the right answer, framing students in a definite box. 

Omatsu pointed out we need to revaluate of  “the impact of the 1960s on American society today.”: “The movement was not centered on the aura of racial identity but embraced fundamentally questions of oppression and power.” For example, the San Francisco State strike in 1968, students from various minorities came together to fight for rights. Starting from students in high education, to political changes, it proved that high education is the cradle of liberal thinkings. This strike influenced students from all minorities, passed down “the tradition of resistance”, broadened the issues of many parts in ethnic studies and liberal rights. 

The same for 1970s and 1980s, these are golden ages of protest for fighting rights not only in Asian American Study, but also for passing down the spirit of standing out and fight for rights. However, there are some people who considered as “neo-conservatives” and they denounce or neglect legacies form 60s to 80s.

Question:

How does US Government or the institutions separate these unions from various minorities groups during the 60s - 80s?

Reference:

• Omatsu, G. (1994). The State of Asian America Activism and Resistance in the 1990s. The ‘Four Prisons’ and the Movements of Liberation. Boston, MA: South End Press.

• Ohashi, A. [Image]. (n.d.). Chinese American Museum. Roots: Asian American Movements in Los Angeles 1968-80s. Retrieved from http://camla.org/past-exhibits/2017-2/roots-asian-american-movements-in-los-angeles-1968-80s/