The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism

This text reinterprets a misunderstood and overlooked epoch of the Asian American experience, the Asian American Movement (AAM). The authors argue that, contrary to the common view of the movement as a passing phase limited to college youth, the Asian American Movement spanned diverse political viewpoints and became increasingly sophisticated and effective. Asian Americans were active participants and played unique roles in the social movements that convulsed the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in protests against the Vietnam War.
The book traces the history of the AAM from its roots in the 1930s to the present day and its impact on diverse areas of the Asian American community. Most importantly, it looks at the societal and community dynamics that led to the movement's trajectory. Using the lens of social movement theory, it analyzes the AAM's rise and ebb and possible resurgence. The authors argue that the AAM constituted a distinct, identifiable, and relatively stable social movement that dramatically impacted the direction of Asian American political and social activity.

Michael Liu is senior research associate and community programs coordinator at the Institute for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Kim Geron is associate professor in the Department of Political Science at California State University, East Bay. Tracy Lai teaches in the Department of History at Seattle Central Community College.

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Chapter 1. Exploring the Asian American Movement Using Social Movement Theory
Chapter 3 Chapter 2. Background to the Formation of the AAM
Chapter 4 Chapter 3. Swelling Rhythm: The 1960s Era and the Conditions for Change
Chapter 5 Chapter 4. The Birth of the Movement: Stepping Toward New Values and New Community
Chapter 6 Chapter 5. The Mature Movement (1976-1982): Weaving through New Surroundings
Chapter 7 Chapter 6. From Vincent Chin to Jesse Jackson (1983-1989): The Horned Snake Rattles
Chapter 8 Chapter 7. Last Dance and a New Motion in a Tube of Bamboo (post-1990)
Chapter 9 Conclusion