The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism

The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism illuminates the historical significance of the social movement for equality and political inclusion of Asian Americans during the late 20th century. Drawing from extensive primary sources and interviews, the authors show how Asian American identity politics were integrally connected to radical demands for structural change in society. As recounted by participants and eye witnesses, the American movement brought about progressive change in ethnic neighborhoods and on college campuses, creating new forms of contentious politics and participatory democracy, while infusing progressive themes into an awakening Asian American culture and arts movement. More than previously published accounts of this movement, this work shows the movement's deep connections to ordinary working people and their day to day concerns. This book will do much to advance needed inter-generational dialogue about how the goals of social justice popularized by the Asian American movement can be effectively pursued in our time. -- Carolyn Wong, Carleton College
Chronicling something as broad and complex as the Asian American Movement is a daunting task. In this important book, Liu, Geron, and Lai take on this challenge and deliver a thorough, insightful, and engaging account. They navigate the twists and turns, successes and failures of the Movement while never losing sight of its 'soul' that inspired and inspires activists past and present. -- Paul Y. Watanabe, University of Massachusetts Boston
By analyzing the history of the Asian American movement from the 1930s through the 1990s, this book makes a significant contribution to the field of Asian American studies. By documenting the longevity of the Asian American movement, the authors are alsoable to show that it was not simply an imitation of the black Civil Rights Movement. Written by three scholars with immense personal experience as community activists and deep knowledge of primary sources and oral histories, this uniquely interdisciplinary book will appeal to an extremely wide audience. Highly recommended... * CHOICE, August 2009 *
This is a timely book, rich with insight and containing a range of proposals for improving U.S. intelligence performance....this is a book that will promote new thinking and provoke debate among students, teachers and professionals wherever they are based. * Political Science Quarterly, Summer 2010 *
Preoccupation with the Asian American 'success story' has over-shadowed the long and vibrant history of social activism among Asian Americans. The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism, by three scholar/activists, is a welcomed corrective. Lively and well-informed, this account presents material and perspectives found nowhere else. -- Gordon H. Chang, Stanford University
By analyzing the history of the Asian American movement from the 1930s through the 1990s, this book makes a significant contribution to the field of Asian American studies. By documenting the longevity of the Asian American movement, the authors are also able to show that it was not simply an imitation of the black Civil Rights Movement. Written by three scholars with immense personal experience as community activists and deep knowledge of primary sources and oral histories, this uniquely interdisciplinary book will appeal to an extremely wide audience. Highly recommended. * CHOICE, August 2009 *