The experiences of Chinese immigrants in the United States are closely connected with the consequences of the 1849 Gold Rush and the cultural image of the Chinese that emerged in the late 19th century. Having entered the United States in 1850 to participate in the Gold Rush and escape the economic and political complications in China, numerous Chinese families have settled in America. Nevertheless, this population was still considered immigrants, which led to the formation of negative racial and cultural stereotypes; such ideas became especially evident by the late years of the 19th century. Thus, during this period of time, multiple Chinese individuals encountered intolerance, harassment, and racial stereotyping, which tremendously complicated the process of immigrating to the United States.
In the discussed historical period, racial and cultural differences were a crucial issue in American society. Given the wide acceptance of Social Darwinism and the ideas of the European civilization’s superiority, other races and ethnic minorities were considered disadvantaged. From this perspective, Chinese individuals were also believed to be inferior to the representatives of white cultures, resulting in negative attitudes towards people from Chinese communities. The situation worsened by the 1880s when the high numbers of the Chinese population and their hardworking attitudes were believed to be a threat to the prosperity of the Caucasian race. The significant distinctions between the American and Chinese cultures, the propensity towards a different religion, and the lack of understanding between these groups were the primary reasons for the negative attitudes towards Chinese representatives.
The reactions of native Chinese individuals to the cultural and social environment of the United States also demonstrate the popularity of ethnic stigma. While initially Chinese travelers were expecting to find prosperity and opportunity, as well as escape the economic difficulties emergent in China, by the late 19th century, such perceptions changed drastically. The first native accounts of Chinese immigrants describe the United States, specifically California, as gam saan, or gold mountain. However, by 1870, America was perceived as an unwelcoming land where Chinese representatives struggled to survive. The primary complications noted by Chinese individuals were the poor labor conditions, low pay, and the inability to return to China due to the costs and the length of such a journey. In addition, numerous immigrant families experienced racism, persecution, and legislative harassment, which worsened tremendously in the 1870s. With the emergence of the economic depression in the 1870s, Chinese individuals were considered a threat to the American economy, and employers were openly discouraged from providing work to people from this community.
Nonetheless, despite the hostile attitude from the American public, the Chinese continued their attempts at successfully settling in the United States. After the initiation of the Exclusion act in 1882, the Chinese community became especially separated from both America and China, which diminished the already minute chances of integrating into the American society or returning home. Therefore, Chinese immigrants began building communities of their own, which became known as Chinatowns, places with a unique Chinese atmosphere that offered individuals a possibility to find stable accommodations and jobs and establish a family. Chinatowns were exceptionally beneficial for the welfare of Chinese communities, allowing them to settle and grow despite the surrounding negative circumstances. In the future years, these establishments became of great significance to the Chinese immigrants, promoting expansion and inclusion as well as battling racial intolerance.