The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism

Community, Vision, and Power

Michael Liu, Kim Geron, Tracy Lai

• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Year: 1955
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9780739130193
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Asian American Studies
• Index: Social Sciences

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.

Table of contents

• The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Acronyms
• Introduction
• Chapter One: Exploring the Asian American Movement Using Social Movement Theory
• Chapter Two: Background to the Formation of the AAM
• Chapter Three: Swelling Rhythm: The 1960s Era and the Conditions for Change
• Chapter Four: The Birth of the Movement: Stepping Toward New Values and New Community
• Chapter Five: The Mature Movement (1976–1982): Weaving through New Surroundings
• Chapter Six: From Vincent Chin to Jesse Jackson (1983–1989): The Horned Snake Rattles
• Chapter Seven: Last Dance and a New Motion in a Tube of Bamboo (Post–1990)
• Chapter Eight: Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Index
• About the Authors