Serve the People

April 1, 2016

Over a period of eight years, independent scholar Ishizuka (Lost and Found) interviewed approximately 120 people who were involved in the Asian American civil rights movement. This book is the fruit of those labors, and it sheds light on the experiences of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino Americans in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. At that time, many Asian Americans felt alienated as they were not part of the black and white dichotomy of American society. Inspired by the black liberation movement and opposition to the Vietnam War, Asian Americans began to organize to stand up for their rights. Before this uprising, these groups were typically referred to as "Orientals." Adopting the term Asian American allowed people of this heritage to show both solidarity among the various Asian ethnic groups and reflect their Americanness. VERDICT This fascinating study is highly recommended for those interested in Asian American history and the civil rights movement. For a work that covers this history beyond the 1960s, see Erica Lee's The Making of Asian America: A History.--Joshua Wallace, Ranger Coll., TX

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