Race riots bring about a heated topic of controversy, however the basis of independence and justice could only be won through forms of force and resistance.
Without a doubt immigrants are a major component in developing this country. This country we have come to know as the land of freedom and opportunity is built on the labor of oppressed and segregated people as well as reform movements. These three components shaped America history for immigrants. What was once seen as the land of opportunity, instead became the land of toil, hardship and torment.
When the first Chinese immigrants came to this country, they did not expect to encounter such anti-Chinese sentiment that in turn would lead to anti-Chinese movements. This is particularly significant since it would shape decisively the growth of Chinese America. The Chinese with their yellow skin, almond shaped eyes, and dark hair would target them for racial segregation and prejudice from white dominance. This Chinese racism would stem anti-Asian violence "where the U.S. labor movement directed its anger over unemployment against Chinese laborers; lynch mobs beat and killed Chinese, burning and razing entire communities" (Asian 36). Competition for labor with white workers would eventually lead up to the 1871 Chinese Massacre.
When the Asian immigrants first arrived "the streets between the railway station and the factory were lined with an excited crowd, but the police were out in force, and no violence was attempted the self restraint of the working people in the presence of this irritating spectacle, was a cause for gratitude" (Daniels 42). In the East during the 1870s, Chinese laborers were seen as people who would be able to assist in large scale uses with steam laundry, cutlery, and contribute to the transcontinental railroad. .
From the first moment Asian immigrants stepped onto the land they were viewed with disdain in California.
