According to author, D.J. Maeda, “…the four major themes of this book (are) Asian American struggles with and against whiteness, the emergence of Asian American identity in relation to blackness, transnational sympathies with Asians in Asia constructed through opposition to the war in Viet Nam, and the cultural formation of Asian American identity.” Maeda continues for the next 150 pages to illustrate these four themes with gusto, insight, detail and wide reaching thought in a skillful writing style.
He makes this underrepresented epoch of Asian American history come alive to the reader. His work should be read by the public, in general, and Asian Americans—of all political persuasions—in particular. You can learn a lot about the individuals who led the way and the organizations that gave rise to Asian American social, cultural and political awareness from the late 1960’s forward. It highlights the affinity that drew Asians to join with other people of color in the fight against white racism on the domestic front and confrontation that led to our self-awareness of racial identification with progressive North Vietnamese during the U.S. War against them.
Moreover, this is an account of real people of various Asian American descents who were and are—since most of those named are still alive—progressive politically, idealistic and visionary socio-culturally, creative artistically, and adhere to their principles and beliefs. They practiced what they preached by dedicating their lives to activism and raising the class and race consciousness of themselves and others.
You should read this book, as soon as possible! At a minimum, it should provide you with either a wake-up call or, reawaken you to the need to be an activist now.
