in old Hollywood
Historical Timeline
At first, Asians were seen as happily loyal obedient servants of white masters. As more Asians come into U.S. they were instead depicted as merciless and mean. An example is the Fu Manchu who wants to conquer the world and of course, capture the female lead. Special "exotic powers" are given to him in order to explain why the white man could be overpowered. Even when Asian Americans get the hero trope like in Charlie Chan, the character is deeply Americanized carrying stereotypical roles like intellect yet very stiff so he can't be a sexual rival to white men.
Chinatown, like in Flower Drum Song (1961) was used as a place dor crime and mafia activities. A place that "eventually, the outside world saw them (Chinatowns) as tourist attractions at best and as islands of crime and violence at worst". Chinatown, which was meant to be a place for Chinese immigrants to find community became a symbol of their otherness, a marker of difference.
01
From 1848: California Gold Rush
The gold rush in California brought Chinese to migrate in hopes for 'new possibilities' away from economic devastation back home after the opium war.
*At the same time, Europeans like the Irish are seeking money too after potato famine hit the country
By 1850 1/5th of the population in the southern mines constitues of Chinese migrants, totaling population of 20,026 people
02
1852: Foreign Miners Tax
Applied to non-Americans with a tax of $3/ month specifically placed on Chinese miners. This caused increased targeted violence as white miners and new arrivals found conflict, mainly under racially charged reasons.
Wives of successful minors were labelled as 'gold mountain wives'. The more successful they are the more envy and gossip is directed to them. Barely any news covered/ shared the hard work and daily discrimination the Chinese faced.
03
1875: Page Act
Asian women (specifically Chinese) were prevented from immigrating to the US as they were seen as prostitutes and often used as scapegoats, accused of bringing sexually transmitted diseases. Chinese women were heavily sexualized, stereotyped as promiscuous and prostitutes.
The act was created with the intention to prevent "undesirable" immigrants such as prostitutes and coolie laborers (low pay) from entering the country.
*Even though on paper the restriction only applies to oriental laborers who were forcefully brought for lewd/ immoral means and prostitution. But it comes down to the consul generals to decide. Chinese women were forced to humiliating interrogation.
04
1882: Chinese Exclusion Act
Restricted immigration into US. Even though statistics show that the Chinese only warrants 0.002% of the nation's population. Yet congress still passed the bill since many are blaming 'declining wages and economic problems' on the Chinese. Not mention their want to maintain 'White Racial Purity', not batting an eye on white European immigrants.
This immigration restriction went on for 10 years.
05
1892: Extension of Chinese Exclusion Act
The Chinese exclusion act's effect was extended by 10 more years. Now Chinese residents residing in the US are required to carry government issued "Certificates of Residence". If they fail to have it they will be subjected to deportation or hard labor. bail is only offered if there is a credible white witness to testify in defense.
06
1924: Immigration Act
Introduced limits to immigrants who can enter under "nationality quotas". US immigration visas will only be issued to 2% of the total number of people of each nationality in the United States, based on the 1890 census. That quota favours European countries like Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, which totaled 70% of all immigration, and completely excludes immigrants coming from Asia (except from the Philippines).
07
1924 - The Thief of Bagdad
Anna May Wong
This isn't Anna May Wong's first film, however it is one of the first ones where she got credited for. The story follows an Arabian Nights fantasy.
In this movie she plays the role of "The Mongol Slave" who plays as a spy for the royals.
08
1924: Japanese Exclusion Provision
There was an Anti-Japanese sentiment over fear that their sudden influx in number would diminish job opportunities for white Americans.
However looking at statistics from the 'commissioner general's annual report' calling it "massive increase" is a stretch since the population only changes from 5,000-11,000 in the span of 5 years.
*Japanese migrants were feared over their success as individuals in foreign land and as a country. The Whites, both individuals and governments, labeled Asians as dangerous.
09
1930: Hays Code
The motion picture production code that was enacted in 1930. The goal of the Hays code is to balance the vulgarity of 1920s with "proper and wholesome thinking" through strict industry guidelines and content censorship. The code covers multiple areas such as sex, vulgarity, obscenity, religion, costume, and even dances. Although on the bright side this code freed actresses from pressures to show nudity or overly sexualized scenes, it was damaging to colored actors. Interracial couples are seen as immoral and so many lost lead romance roles to white actresses.
10
1931 - Daughter of the Dragon
Anna May Wong
Following the growing Fu Manchu trope, in this film Anna May Wong plays the daughter of Dr. Fu Manchu. Her character in this film is "Ling May" who is a successful and cunning woman. Her boyfriend is a secret agent played by Sessue Hayakawa, who is one of the first Asian actors to make it in the USA.
11
1934 - Chu Chin Chou
Anna May Wong
Another well popular film played by Anna May Wong. It is a musical that retells Arabian Nights. Similar to Thief of Bagdad, here she plays another slave this time under the name "Zahrat".
12
1935 - The Dark Angel
Merle Oberon
Merle Oberon plays "Kitty Vane" in this love story between three childhood best friends. Set during the World War 1 era, their feelings and friendship is challenged with one another. Merle Oberon won an award for her "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" in the 1958 Oscar.
13
1943: Pearl Harbor and Repealed Exclusion Act
US repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act in hopes to counter racist propaganda claims by the Japanese.
During the time of 1941 Pearl Harbor, there were racist propaganda spread by the US about dangerous Japanese immigrants and "friendly" Chinese in Life Magazine.
14
1952: McCarran-Walter Act
In hopes to gain new war ally, US grants citizenship for Japanese Americans in the war. This changed the immigration quota (even though only slightly). Removing racial barriers on Chinese and Japanese giving them slightly bigger quotas.
15
1957 - Sayonara
Miyoshi Umeki
Sayonara tells the story about American captain stationed in Japan that fell in love with a Japanese performer. However, interracial marriages are illegal under U.S law. So the soldiers and the women need to decide either to be separated or leave everything for love. Miyoshi Umeki plays one of the Japanese women named "Katsumi", who fell in love with an American soldier. Together they chose a grim end of suicide together in the name of love.
16
1958 - China Doll
Li Li-Hua
In her Hollywood debut with China Doll, Li-Hua plays the role of a poor farmer's daughter. She was sold to a white soldier who was drunk at that time and reluctantly used her as a household "maid" before falling in love with her.
17
1969-1972 - The Courtship of Eddie's Father
Miyoshi Umeki
This sitcom is based on a book that follows a widowed father and his son, Eddie, who tries to find a date for his dad. Miyoshi Umeki plays "Mrs. Livingston", their Japanese housekeeper. Mrs.Livingston would help Eddie accomplish his plans to set his dad up for a new mom. She also likes to give advice to Eddie adding to comedic effect.
18
1965: Immigration & Naturalization Acts
Under the Hart-Celler Act the immigration quota system is expunged. The newly enacted Act allows judgement based on reuniting immigrant families (already residing in the U.S) and welcoming skilled laborers.
Because of this the immigrant demographic change from Asia, Africa, Latin America, while European immigration decreased.