Introduction
It is important to note that the United States has always had a complex and controversial history when it comes to immigration and how it treats immigrants. The given analysis will summarize the article “The Chinese in California” in the first part and analyze it in the second section. The article provides an example of how, in the past, American immigration was dictated by White Christians, with whom other minorities had to assimilate.
Article Summary: Scope, Topic, and Argument
The article “The Chinese in California” was published in the New York Daily Times on September 13, 1852, and originated from the Milwaukie Sentinel. The piece draws attention to the significant influx of Chinese immigrants into California during this period. It reports that a recent San Francisco publication estimated the Chinese population in California to be 28,000, predicting it to rise to over 46,000 by year’s end (Milwaukie Sentinel 2). The Chinese faced challenges in the mines, and their desire to migrate remained undeterred despite efforts to drive them out.
The article portrays the Chinese immigrants positively by noting their diligence, orderliness, and economic contributions. One distinctive aspect of this immigration was the low number of women; out of the 28,000 Chinese in California, only 27 were women, which led to speculation on intermarriage with other communities (Milwaukie Sentinel 2). Some Chinese immigrants acquired considerable wealth and even considered importing a theatrical company for entertainment.
The article highlights a public event in San Francisco commemorating the death of Henry Clay, where a noticeable number of Chinese participated; thus, it marked their increasing integration. The author speculates that the Chinese could potentially be an alternative workforce in southern plantations by potentially displacing the need for African slavery (Milwaukie Sentinel 2). The potential cultural and religious exchanges between the two nations are emphasized since there are hopes that Christianity can influence the Chinese community and alter its traditional practices.
The Attitudes Toward Immigration in the United States
I think that one should not be deceived by the article’s apparent positive image of Chinese immigrants because it is still Eurocentric. At the core of the whole perception, even if it is positive, are White people, their culture, and their benefit. The article is not an honest and direct admiration for Chinese immigrants but rather a model minority type of racism, where White Americans praise ethnic groups for ‘serving’ them.
As soon as an ethnic minority group’s interests misalign with the White Americans, they will become immediately victimized and hated for the lack of their subservience. For example, Joaquin Murieta is consistently referred to in a negative light by emphasizing his criminal activities, terrorizing nature, and widespread notoriety. Using words such as ‘terrorized,’ ‘bandit,’ ‘marauder,’ and ‘murderous outlaw’ showcases the threat that Murieta represented to the people of California (“Joaquin Murietta” 2). Thus, the article essentially states that White Christian values are ‘American values.’ If other ethnic minorities are willing to abandon their culture and religion, they will be labeled as ‘good immigrants.’ The immigration policy was changed to prevent the Chinese from migrating, but they continued to do so. The ideal citizens are White Christians, and for non-White Christians, the best course of action is to assimilate into White Christian culture entirely, according to the author (Milwaukie Sentinel 2). The same patterns can be observed in Murieta’s case because rejecting White Christian culture leads to punishment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Milwaukie Sentinel article showcases how White Christians were the ones forcing ethnic minorities to assimilate into their culture by considering that American values reflect White Christian values. Chinese immigrants were condescendingly praised only because they were willing to be subservient to the White Christian majority. Murieta’s case shows the implications of not rejecting one’s own identity and cultural heritage.
Works Cited
“Joaquin Murietta: The Story of His Killing Confirmed.” San Francisco Chronicle, 1891, p. 2.
Milwaukie Sentinel. “The Chinese in California.” New York Daily Times, 1852, p. 2.