They did not have hope for a better life, as the Chinese did, which made their introduction into the country even more difficult.
Both ethnic groups were treated horribly after their arrival. The Chinese (and other immigrants after them) experienced racism and misunderstanding. Two historians note, "Historically, the many diverse ethnic groups within the Asian-American community have experienced strikingly similar incidents of anti-Asian violence, including: the 1885 anti-Chinese riots in Rock Springs, Wyoming; [and] the armed expulsion of South Asian laborers from Live Oak, California in 1908" (Alvarez & Kimura, 2001, p. 192). The Chinese were forced to live in separate areas in most cities and towns, and were even buried in separate cemeteries, which can still be seen in many areas of the west. Later, the Federal Government passed an anti-immigration law banning nearly all Asian immigration to the U.S. Even families of Asians already here could not enter the country. Perhaps the most famous act of Asian prejudice occurred during World War II when all Japanese in the U.S., citizens or not, were "evacuated" from the west coast and forced into internment camps throughout the west. The lived in these camps until the end of the war, and many lost homes, businesses, and everything they had worked hard to attain.
African-Americans were treated like animals rather than human beings. They worked hard every day, were beaten or even killed if they "misbehaved" or tried to escape. Owners would sell members of a family without any thought to the family staying together. African-Americans...
Interestingly, there were immigration laws that banned most Asians from entering the U.S. In effect until the 1960s, so both groups saw progress toward equality and status during that time (Lien, Conway & Wong, 2004, p. 4).
In conclusion, many of the experiences of African-Americans and Asian-Americans have much in common. Both groups were victims of racism and prejudice after their arrival in America. They both had to work at difficult, laborious jobs to earn a living, and were given the worst jobs to do wherever they were employed. They were treated like animals with no feelings or thoughts. Both groups have gained freedom and rights in modern America, but both groups still face prejudice and racism in areas of their lives, work, and personal freedoms.
References
Alvarez, A.N., & Kimura, E.F. (2001). Asian-Americans and racial identity: Dealing with racism and snowballs. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 23(3), 192.
Lien, P., Conway, M.M., & Wong, J. (2004). The politics of Asian-Americans: Diversity and community. New York: Routledge.
Palmer, C.A. (2000). Chapter 1, 1502-1619. In To make our world anew: A history of African-Americans, Kelley, R.D. & Lewis (Eds.) (pp. 3-52). New York: Oxford University Press.
Quarles, B. (1988). Black mosaic: Essays in Afro-American history and historiography. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Press.
