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

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, labour, innovation, belonging, tragedy, resistance and solidarity, community, service, memory, and joy.

The book features vibrant full-colour 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's ballet shoes, pancaked to match her skin colour· Caravan's 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 GovilAsian 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 side-lined 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.