Anti-chinese sentiment

Definition

Anti-Chinese sentiment refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions directed towards Chinese immigrants and their descendants. This prejudice emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Canada, particularly in relation to immigration policies and societal attitudes towards the growing Chinese population, often driven by economic competition and racial stereotypes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anti-Chinese sentiment intensified during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, where Chinese laborers were often exploited and faced discrimination despite their crucial contributions.
2. The Chinese Head Tax was introduced in 1885 and significantly increased over the years, culminating in a tax of $500 by 1903, effectively limiting immigration from China.
3. In 1923, the Canadian government passed the Chinese Immigration Act, effectively banning all Chinese immigration until it was repealed in 1947, showcasing systemic discrimination.
4. During economic downturns, such as the Great Depression, anti-Chinese sentiment often surged as they were scapegoated for job competition and economic hardship faced by other Canadians.
5. The legacy of anti-Chinese sentiment continues to impact Canadian society, with ongoing discussions about racism and the need for reconciliation with affected communities.

Review Questions

• How did anti-Chinese sentiment manifest during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway?
  • During the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, anti-Chinese sentiment was evident as many Chinese laborers were hired for their willingness to work for lower wages. This led to resentment among non-Chinese workers who feared job competition and economic displacement. The exploitation of Chinese workers was compounded by discriminatory attitudes that dehumanized them and justified their mistreatment, highlighting a broader pattern of racial prejudice in Canada at that time.
• Evaluate the impact of the Chinese Head Tax on Chinese immigration to Canada and its long-term consequences on Chinese communities.
  • The Chinese Head Tax had a significant impact on limiting Chinese immigration to Canada by imposing financial barriers that made it extremely difficult for many to enter. This policy not only reduced the influx of new immigrants but also affected family reunification, leading to fragmented communities. Long-term consequences included a demographic imbalance within Chinese communities and deep-rooted feelings of exclusion and discrimination that persisted for generations.
• Analyze how anti-Chinese sentiment influenced Canadian immigration policies in the early 20th century and its lasting effects on society.
  • Anti-Chinese sentiment heavily influenced Canadian immigration policies by leading to exclusionary laws such as the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, which effectively barred all Chinese immigrants from entering Canada. This systemic racism not only marginalized an entire ethnic group but also set a precedent for future immigration policies that discriminated against other non-European groups. The lasting effects can still be seen today in discussions around multiculturalism, racism, and the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities in Canada.

Related terms

Chinese Head Tax:

A fee imposed by the Canadian government on Chinese immigrants as a means to limit their entry into the country, reflecting discriminatory practices against this group.

Exclusionary Policies: Legislative measures aimed at restricting immigration based on nationality or ethnicity, notably affecting Chinese immigrants in Canada through laws like the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923.

Yellow Peril: A racist ideology that portrayed people of East Asian descent as a threat to Western civilization, which fueled anti-Chinese sentiment in various countries, including Canada.