asians essays

asians essays At its inception, the United States was built on principles of freedom, justice, and liberty. A reaction to tyranny and oppression, its creation sought to bring change to centuries of inequity under the British monarchy. But no change is sudden; the growth and evolution of the United States has taken centuries and is still in a state of continual development. In the past year, however, this country has taken an additional step toward progress through the presidential appointment of two Asian Americans, Norman Mineta and Elaine L. Chao, to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Labor, respectively. The acceptance of Asian Americans in the government's high offices has influenced public opinion in many way; most of all, it acknowledges the power of Asian Americans in the community and help break existing stereotypes regarding the social roles of those with Asian heritage. For over a century, Asian influence has been overlooked in history books. As a result of the appointment, America is coming to terms with the fact that Asians are a crucial part of American government and have always been a rich part of American history. According to the PBS special Ancestors in the Americas, Chinese immigrants have been "invisible" in the American story, even though "their presence was pervasive and economically pivotal." It points out the simple fact that the Transcontinental Railroad was built largely with the work of Chinese laborers, yet none are to be found in celebratory pictures of its completion or in the pictures of workers found in archives. High positions in government, however, such as working on the presidential cabinet, cannot be ignored or overlooked. They don't have to attempt to make history; they are already making history with every proposition, with every day. Moreover, the appointment of Asian Americans to such high positions means that they can directly influence public policy,...