ronald takaki strangers from a different shore

Takaki includes haiku and poetry that Japanese immigrants carved into the walls of their barracks on the island, expressing disillusionment, loneliness, frustration, and hope. Some, in fact, were deported back to their countries of origin for reasons they could not contest. In fact, many were detained there without notification of a date of release. The title's 'different shore' refers to the West Coast immigration station at Angel Island, off the coast of California, that most Asian-Americans passed through. Most Americans are familiar with the history of European immigrants that entered America through Ellis Island, off the East coast. As well, he addresses the internment of Japanese-Americans at the outset of World War II. He details the social and economic factors that led to the construction and growth of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. As a Japanese-American himself, Takaki has a unique perspective he was raised in Hawaii, a descendent of cane plantation workers. Takaki's account continues on to the experiences of Japanese-Americans as migrant workers in the orchards and plantations of California and Hawaii. Most were forced into back-breaking labor in mines, railroad construction, and laundries due to discrimination. Lured by tales of the 'gold mountain', Chinese immigrants came to California and found economic exploitation, forced isolation, racism, and violence. It is a detailed historical account of the continual waves of Asian immigrants to America, beginning in the 19th century with the influx of Chinese immigrants hoping for financial success in the gold rush. I read this work my freshman year at Occidental College for the course Mutual Images of East and West. 'Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans' was written by Ronald Takaki.

Ronald takaki strangers from a different shore