1. Wage Discrimination:
* Lower pay: Chinese workers were consistently paid less than their white counterparts, even for doing the same dangerous and demanding work. This was a clear example of economic discrimination.
* "Coolie" wages: The term "coolie" was used disparagingly to refer to Chinese workers, and their wages were often referred to as "coolie wages," signifying their perceived inferiority and the belief that they were only worthy of minimal compensation.
2. Physical Violence and Harassment:
* Beatings and intimidation: Chinese workers were frequently subjected to physical abuse and threats from white workers and vigilantes. This included beatings, shootings, and even lynchings.
* Exclusion from towns and social life: Chinese workers were often forced to live in segregated camps and were denied access to many towns and businesses. They were subjected to verbal and physical harassment, making their lives in the United States extremely difficult.
3. Legislative Discrimination:
* Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882: This law barred Chinese immigration to the United States and denied citizenship to Chinese workers already living in the country. It was one of the most discriminatory laws in American history, designed to eliminate Chinese workers from the workforce and create a labor advantage for white workers.
* Anti-Chinese sentiment: The Chinese Exclusion Act was just one piece of a larger narrative of anti-Chinese prejudice that permeated American society during the 19th century. This sentiment was fueled by racist beliefs that Chinese workers were stealing jobs, lowering wages, and threatening the "American way of life."
4. Dehumanization and Stereotyping:
* "Yellow peril" propaganda: Chinese workers were often depicted as a threat to American society, portrayed as uncivilized, dangerous, and undeserving of basic human rights. This dehumanizing propaganda contributed to the widespread acceptance of discrimination and violence against them.
* "Cheap labor" stereotype: Chinese workers were portrayed as "cheap labor," implying that they were willing to work for less and therefore stealing jobs from white workers. This stereotype was used to justify their exploitation and exclusion.
5. Lack of Recognition and Historical Erasure:
* Minimized contributions: The significant contributions of Chinese workers to the construction of the transcontinental railroad were often minimized or ignored in historical narratives. Their role was often overshadowed by the stories of white workers, perpetuating the myth that white workers were solely responsible for the railroad's completion.
* Forgotten stories: The experiences of Chinese workers, including their struggles and sacrifices, have often been forgotten or silenced in mainstream American history. This erasure perpetuates the idea that Chinese workers were insignificant and their contributions unworthy of recognition.
It is crucial to understand and remember the prejudice faced by Chinese workers building the transcontinental railroad. Their contributions were essential to the development of the United States, and their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of discrimination and the importance of acknowledging the history of all who helped build this nation.