Asian Americans (film series)

Asian Americans is a five-part documentary series broadcast on PBS in May 2020. It explores the history, contributions, and challenges faced by Asian Americans in the United States, spanning over 150 years.

The series covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Early Immigration and Exclusion: The series examines the initial waves of Asian immigration to the U.S., focusing on the Chinese Exclusion Act and other discriminatory policies that shaped the experiences of early Asian immigrants.
• Contributions to American Society: The series highlights the significant contributions Asian Americans have made in various fields, including science, technology, the arts, business, and politics.
• World War II and its Aftermath: The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is a central theme, along with the wartime service of Asian Americans and their subsequent fight for civil rights.
• The Civil Rights Movement and Asian American Identity: The series explores the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the Asian American community and the development of a pan-Asian American identity.
• Contemporary Issues: The series also addresses contemporary issues facing Asian Americans, such as immigration reform, representation in media, and the rise of hate crimes.

Notable figures featured in the series include Grace Lee Boggs, Patsy Mink, Norman Mineta, and others. The series utilizes historical footage, photographs, and interviews to tell the stories of Asian Americans and their impact on American history and culture. The series aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Asian American experience.