KQED's Forum The New Yorker’s Michael Luo on ‘the Epic Story of the Chinese in America’
May 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Michael Luo, the executive editor at The New Yorker and author of "Strangers in the Land," delves into the historical and contemporary experiences of Chinese Americans. He highlights the challenges posed by the Chinese Exclusion Act and the ongoing struggle against anti-Asian racism. Luo shares personal anecdotes and explores themes of loss, resilience, and identity. He emphasizes the significant contributions of Asian Americans to U.S. history while addressing the media's role in shaping public perceptions and the fight for belonging.
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Chinese Migration and Backlash
- Chinese migration reshaped the American West and California during the Gold Rush.
- Initial acceptance gave way to violent exclusion driven by economic fears and racism.
1871 LA Chinese Massacre
- The 1871 Los Angeles massacre was the worst mass lynching in U.S. history, targeting Chinese victims.
- Details like Gene Tong's story and his pet poodle paint a vivid human picture of this tragedy.
The Tape Family’s Legal Fight
- Joseph and Mary Tape fought for their daughter Mamie’s right to attend a local San Francisco school.
- Even after winning the lawsuit, the city created a segregated school for Chinese children.
