The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism: Community, Vision, and Power: Michael Liu: Lexington Books

The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism

Community, Vision, and Power

The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism

Community, Vision, and Power

Description

This text reinterprets a misunderstood and overlooked epoch of the Asian American experience, the Asian American Movement (AAM). The authors argue that, contrary to the common view of the movement as a passing phase limited to college youth, the Asian American Movement spanned diverse political viewpoints and became increasingly sophisticated and effective. Asian Americans were active participants and played unique roles in the social movements that convulsed the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in protests against the Vietnam War.

The book traces the history of the AAM from its roots in the 1930s to the present day and its impact on diverse areas of the Asian American community. Most importantly, it looks at the societal and community dynamics that led to the movement's trajectory. Using the lens of social movement theory, it analyzes the AAM's rise and ebb and possible resurgence. The authors argue that the AAM constituted a distinct, identifiable, and relatively stable social movement that dramatically impacted the direction of Asian American political and social activity.

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Chapter 1. Exploring the Asian American Movement Using Social Movement Theory
Chapter 3 Chapter 2. Background to the Formation of the AAM
Chapter 4 Chapter 3. Swelling Rhythm: The 1960s Era and the Conditions for Change
Chapter 5 Chapter 4. The Birth of the Movement: Stepping Toward New Values and New Community
Chapter 6 Chapter 5. The Mature Movement (1976-1982): Weaving through New Surroundings
Chapter 7 Chapter 6. From Vincent Chin to Jesse Jackson (1983-1989): The Horned Snake Rattles
Chapter 8 Chapter 7. Last Dance and a New Motion in a Tube of Bamboo (post-1990)
Chapter 9 Conclusion

Product details

Published	Sep 05 2008
Format	Paperback
Edition	1st
Extent	260
ISBN	9780739127209
Imprint	Lexington Books
Dimensions	231 x 154 mm
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism illuminates the historical significance of the social movement for equality and political inclusion of Asian Americans during the late 20th century. Drawing from extensive primary sources and interviews, the authors show how Asian American identity politics were integrally connected to radical demands for structural change in society. As recounted by participants and eye witnesses, the American movement brought about progressive change in ethnic neighborhoods and on college campuses, creating new forms of contentious politics and participatory democracy, while infusing progressive themes into an awakening Asian American culture and arts movement. More than previously published accounts of this movement, this work shows the movement's deep connections to ordinary working people and their day to day concerns. This book will do much to advance needed inter-generational dialogue about how the goals of social justice popularized by the Asian American movement can be effectively pursued in our time.

Carolyn Wong
Chronicling something as broad and complex as the Asian American Movement is a daunting task. In this important book, Liu, Geron, and Lai take on this challenge and deliver a thorough, insightful, and engaging account. They navigate the twists and turns, successes and failures of the Movement while never losing sight of its 'soul' that inspired and inspires activists past and present.

Paul Y. Watanabe, University of Massachusetts Boston
By analyzing the history of the Asian American movement from the 1930s through the 1990s, this book makes a significant contribution to the field of Asian American studies. By documenting the longevity of the Asian American movement, the authors are alsoable to show that it was not simply an imitation of the black Civil Rights Movement. Written by three scholars with immense personal experience as community activists and deep knowledge of primary sources and oral histories, this uniquely interdisciplinary book will appeal to an extremely wide audience. Highly recommended...

Choice Reviews
This is a timely book, rich with insight and containing a range of proposals for improving U.S. intelligence performance....this is a book that will promote new thinking and provoke debate among students, teachers and professionals wherever they are based.

Political Science Quarterly
Preoccupation with the Asian American 'success story' has over-shadowed the long and vibrant history of social activism among Asian Americans. The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism, by three scholar/activists, is a welcomed corrective. Lively and well-informed, this account presents material and perspectives found nowhere else.

Gordon H. Chang, Stanford University
By analyzing the history of the Asian American movement from the 1930s through the 1990s, this book makes a significant contribution to the field of Asian American studies. By documenting the longevity of the Asian American movement, the authors are also able to show that it was not simply an imitation of the black Civil Rights Movement. Written by three scholars with immense personal experience as community activists and deep knowledge of primary sources and oral histories, this uniquely interdisciplinary book will appeal to an extremely wide audience.
Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews