Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects

English | December 19th, 2023 | ISBN: 1588347516 | 264 pages | True EPUB | 140.24 MB

A rich and compelling introduction to the history of Asian Pacific American communities as told through 101 objects, from a fortune cookie baking mold to the debut Ms. Marvel comic featuring Kamala Khan

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects invites readers to experience both well-known and untold stories through influential, controversial, and meaningful objects. Thematic chapters explore complex history and shared experiences: navigation, intersections, labor, innovation, belonging, tragedy, resistance and solidarity, community, service, memory, and joy.

The book features vibrant full-color illustrations of objects that embody and engage with Asian Pacific American issues, including the immigrant experience, the importance of media representation, what history gets officially documented vs. what does not, and so much more.

Those objects include
Name tag for Challenger astronaut Ellison Onizuka
Photograph of Hollywood actress Anna May Wong
Hello Kitty bento box
Stella Abrera’sballet shoes, pancaked to match her skin color
Caravans Thailand: Songs for Life album
Sewing kit of internment camp survivor May Ishimoto
Nam June Paik’s Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii
The Devanagari typographical font patented by Hari Govind Govil

Asian Americans are the fastest growing group in the United States and include approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups, but their stories and experiences have often been sidelined or stereotyped. This spirited and beautifully illustrated book offers a vital window into the triumphs and tragedies, strength and ingenuity, and traditions and cultural identities of these communities. Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects is a crucial and celebratory read.