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Teaching Guide, Article :

Teaching Guide, Article The Origin of Term, 'Asian American'

  • Grade Level 3rd-5th Grade
  • Time Period 1950 - 1969
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Introduction

These resources explores the origin of the term “Asian American,” its development during the Civil Rights Movement, and its ongoing significance. Students will investigate how cross-racial solidarity influenced this identity and analyze its social and political impact on cultural representation and activism.

Essential Questions

  • How were the respective civil rights movements in the Black and the Asian American communities in the 1960s connected?

  • Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when identifying and naming different cultural groups in America?

  • What were considerations made in the development of the term, ‘Asian Americans?’

  • Who is Asian American?

  • What is the impact on social and political power of grouping by continent versus country of origin?