Super Short Summary

The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee explores the experiences of various Asian communities in the Americas from the 16th to early 21st centuries, using an intersectional approach to discuss race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and class. Lee examines early Asian immigration influenced by imperialism, the experiences of Asian Americans during significant historical events like World War II and the Cold War, and the evolving Asian American identity in the 21st century. The narrative combines social and legal history, colonialism, and individual biographies to illustrate themes of societal prejudice and discrimination as well as resilience and dignity. The book addresses racism, discrimination, and occasional acts of racially motivated violence.