Book Review — The Chinese and American Law

Hi, my fellow Asians. As we witness the US society unify as one and ask for change of invisible segregation and racism, a lot of us want to weigh in, even join the protest to show our support. Today I want to share a book that can give us some background info of how Chinese’s ancestor fought against racism with legal means.

“The Chinese and American Law” is a book based on series of historical lawsuits impacted Chinses social status. From being called “PIG” and brought over sea for mining and built railroad across country. Chinese ancestors use the justice system as a leverage to fight for their way to be treated equally. There is also a paragraph explain how minority students were segregated and sent to the diverse school. But the Chinese parents found ways to renovate facilities and recruit stupendous teachers. Those schools became so elite that the residents asked enrolled school based on school district but not races. A lot of these movements were not just for Asian but also benefit all minorities.

Author Mr. Louis Tao(陶龍生) graduated from Taiwan and Harvard Law School. Worked for US gov. and senior part of private law firm. As a highly praised lawyer in US, especially among the Chinese community, Mr. Tao also contributed a lot in academic. Went to teach in 5 university (4 in Taiwan and NYU). In this book, Mr. Tao keep reminding us that justice and education system are very influential. So, do not afraid of taking up challenge.

This book can really intrigue you to start think about what more we can do to stop the racism. Join the protest to show our support is one way. Using our socioeconomic status and different platform can be also effective.