Gary Okihiro’s arguments regarding the writing of American history Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda®
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

In a considerate and inspiring participation in the existing argument as regards to the meaning of extensive culture and multiculturalism, Gary Okihiro investigates the importance of Asian Americans in history and civilization. In a few confrontational and charming articles, he scrutinizes the Asian American experience from the viewpoint of historical awareness, ethnicity, sex, societal rank and background.

The ongoing debate pertains to the concept of mainstream in relation to American history and tradition, as well as risks of moving away from original establishments that have made America a great nation. Okihiro argues that pluralism and multiplicity only exist to segregate and fracture the country.

The society uses Western civilization as a yardstick for measuring other cultures. The ongoing debate demands that the principle of “great books” should be regained and conserved and individuals on the margins, particularly the culturally marginalized, should be encouraged to join the majority.

In fact, Okihiro posits in his works ‘Margins and Mainstreams’ that the central principles and standards of the country in the modern society come not from the supposed majority but from the minorities that is, from amongst Asians, Africans, Latinos, Indians and probably women. These groups, in their efforts towards egalitarianism, have facilitated protection and advancement of the founders’ principles and have made America a more liberal place for each person to exercise his/her rights.

While unearthing extra meanings of Asian American public history, Okihiro digs deeper into the academic basics and postulations of the discipline of Asian American. Through analysis, the writer describes the supremacy of Euro centrism and other pecking orders in the key premises that enlighten the discipline. His writings compare the Asian American tribulations with those of African Americans, as well as Latinos.

Although Okihiro agrees that the major problem in America is discrimination against the black race, other aspects call for attention among history scholars. The Asian race has suffered a lot from stereotyping and labeling. The Chinese have frequently been termed as pirates because of producing reprints while Japanese are viewed as smugglers and gamblers.

This kind of treatment has caused sufferings to the victims but studies have not paid much attention on the issue. Latinos are accused of drug trafficking and engaging in illegal trades. Some laws have been passed to minimize the influence of Mexicans in America. The Arizona bill threw out most foreigners from Mexico.

Throughout history, women have never enjoyed civil liberties mainly because of male patriarchy. This has been a major issue but scholars have not considered it to be much serious than racism. Women are expected to take care of the home while men enjoy other important societal activities such as employment and freedom to associate. In this case, American character cannot involve only one thing, that is, struggle between white and black races. Americans are yet to appreciate the role of women in the contemporary society.

Another issue that describes American character is wealth. Resources are accumulated in the hands of the few while majority languish in poverty. The gap between the rich and the poor keeps on widening. Women and the black race own nothing. Women are not stable financially forcing them to rely on men for survival. The black race has nothing to offer apart from cheap labor. This is another issue that needs to be addressed through research and academic recommendation.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2018, October 17). Gary Okihiro’s arguments regarding the writing of American history. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gary-okihiros-arguments-regarding-the-writing-of-american-history/

Work Cited

"Gary Okihiro’s arguments regarding the writing of American history." IvyPanda, 17 Oct. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/gary-okihiros-arguments-regarding-the-writing-of-american-history/.

References

IvyPanda. (2018) 'Gary Okihiro’s arguments regarding the writing of American history'. 17 October.

References

IvyPanda. 2018. "Gary Okihiro’s arguments regarding the writing of American history." October 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gary-okihiros-arguments-regarding-the-writing-of-american-history/.

1. IvyPanda. "Gary Okihiro’s arguments regarding the writing of American history." October 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gary-okihiros-arguments-regarding-the-writing-of-american-history/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Gary Okihiro’s arguments regarding the writing of American history." October 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gary-okihiros-arguments-regarding-the-writing-of-american-history/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1