The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism

Community, Vision, and Power

By (author) Michael Liu, Kim Geron, Tracy Lai

Publication date:

08 September 2008

Length of book:

260 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

239x161mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780739127193

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

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.