The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism - by Michael Liu & Kim Geron & Tracy Lai (Paperback)

About the Book

This text reinterprets a misunderstood epoch of the Asian American experience_the Asian American movement (AAM). The authors address the AAM's dramatic impact on the direction of Asian American political and social activity beginning in the 1960s, particularly in terms of neighborhood redevelopment, civil rights, international solidarity, and the Jesse Jackson presidential campaigns. They argue that the movement became the vehicle to bring Asian American communities into the mainstream of civil life.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

Michael Liu is senior research associate and community programs coordinator at the Institute for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Kim Geron is associate professor in the Department of Political Science at California State University, East Bay. Tracy Lai teaches in the Department of History at Seattle Central Community College.