Racism against Asian American goes deep in American history. Using a broadside in favor of the Chinese Exclusion Act, class members examine clues—with key portions of the document blacked out—to better understand the roots of anti-Asian racism during a period of mass immigration. Responses to prompts may be emailed to the teacher for evaluation. 

Concepts

racism, chinese immigration, the chinese exclusion act of 1882, united states immigration, primary source analysis, primary source images, primary sources

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the resource to introduce the Chinese Exclusion Act or unit on immigration during the late 1800s
• Offer the activity as the foundation to a discussion of racism against Asian Americans

Classroom Considerations

• Learners need computer access to examine the document and use the black out activity

Pros

• Activity is engaging and adaptable
• Primary source is thought provoking

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.2 RH.6-8.7 RH.6-8.10 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.7 RH.9-10.10 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.7 RH.11-12.10