Hidden histories of Asians in America

May 7, 2023
by RJ Hamster

To mark Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we bring you the little-known stories of Japanese-American WWII veterans, the immigrants who built the transcontinental railroad, the cook who made his mark on Yosemite, the surprising history of hula, and much more.

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PHOTOGRAPH VIA NIDAY PICTURE LIBRARY, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

These soldiers fought WWII enemies abroad—but were seen as enemies back home

The U.S. tried to ban them from military service, but these Japanese-American veterans ultimately became some of the most decorated soldiers in history. “We had two battles to fight,” said one Nisei (second generation) soldier. “One against the enemies in the Pacific and Europe, and the other against racial prejudice in our own country.”

THE STORY OF THE NISEI

Learn more about Japanese internment:

•

The U.S. forced them into internment camps. Here’s how Japanese Americans started over.

•

Hawaii’s forgotten World War II internment sites reveal hidden stories of heroism and persecution.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

The transcontinental railroad—and the forgotten sacrifices of those who built it

In the wake of the Civil War, the railroad—built largely by Chinese and Irish immigrants and Mormon laborers—became a symbol of progress intended to propel the divided country toward cohesion. The people who built it helped achieve “one of the greatest engineering feats in U.S. history.” But their sacrifices are seldom remembered.

REMEMBERING THE WORKERS

COURTESY CHINESE AMERICAN MUSEUM

The bloody history of anti-Asian violence

One of the largest mass lynchings in the United States targeted Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles.

FORGOTTEN HISTORY

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDRIA LO

Why does the U.S. have so many Chinatowns?

Rooted in both racism and marketing, historic immigrant enclaves grapple with rising rents and uncertain futures.

AN ORIGIN STORY

PHOTOGRAPH BY DR. GILBERT H. GROSVENOR, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

The Chinese-American backcountry cook who made his mark on Yosemite

Not many people remember Tie Sing (shown above, standing) and the many other Asian American workers before and after him, who remain footnotes in history books and curricula. But now, Yosemite National Park and sites across the country hope to change that. From Chinese railroad workers in Utah to Filipino shrimpers in Louisiana, here are little-known tales of immigration, struggle, and belonging.

LITTLE-KNOWN HISTORIES

Movies and television shows romanticize their hardships and dedication. Those who are part of the diaspora are called bagong bayani—the new heroes—for sacrificing themselves for the betterment of their families and the country.

KEEP READING: Why 10 million Filipinos endure hardship abroad as overseas workers

PHOTOGRAPH BY PHOTO RESOURCE HAWAII, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

The surprising history of Hawai‘i’s hula tradition

Over the past two centuries, the cherished Hawaiian dance has moved from a sacred religious practice to a tourist attraction, along the way falling prey to cultural appropriation and near erasure.

THE ROOTS OF HULA

A deep dive into Hawai’i:

•

Hawaii’s Native language nearly vanished—this is the fight to bring it back

•

Hawai’i is not the multicultural paradise some say it is

•

How white planters usurped Hawaii’s last queen

•

What’s ‘crack seed,’ one of Hawai‘i’s favorite snacks?

PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMANUEL HAHN

In L.A.’s Koreatown, travelers find a ‘second Seoul’—and the American Dream

Los Angeles County has the largest population of Koreans outside South Korea and the biggest in the United States. Yet within Koreatown’s 2.9-square-mile zone, Koreans have never been the majority. In recent years, Koreatown has become even more diverse. How Koreatown rose amid such a mix of cultures is widely credited to one man: Hi Duk Lee.

ONE MAN’S VISION

THE GLOBAL RISE OF K-POP: Not even a pandemic could slow this train +

COURTESY OF THE POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY

The art of Polynesian wayfinding—and the woman who’s breaking the mold

Polynesian wayfinding—the traditional practice of navigating by sun, stars, waves, and wind—has long been a patriarchal tradition. Lehua Kamalu is breaking the mold—and helping to lead a revival of the ancient skill.

A 3,000-MILE JOURNEY, GUIDED BY STARS

A ‘STORY ON SKIN’: In Polynesia, tattoos are more than skin deep +

National Geographic marks Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with stories, photos, and voices from around the world. Read and see more ››

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RJ Hamster

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Hidden histories of Asians in America

Hidden histories of Asians in America

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