Ep 3. Good Americans

Asian Americans is an incredible six-part documentary series that explores the history and experiences of Asian Americans, one of the most underrepresented and misunderstood minorities in the United States. In season 1 episode 3, titled "Good Americans," viewers are taken on a journey through the early 20th century, a time when opportunities for Asian Americans in the United States were scarce. It was a time when the country's policies, laws, and even societal norms were often hostile to the idea of immigrants and non-Western cultures, yet despite these obstacles, many Asian Americans proved their strength, resilience, and commitment to the American dream.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the story of the Filipino American workforce in the United States, which played a crucial yet largely forgotten role in the country's history. During the early 1900s, Filipinos arrived in the US in large numbers, seeking work and better opportunities than they had in their homeland. However, they faced significant challenges, including discrimination, segregation, and violence from white American society.

Despite these hardships, Filipino Americans persevered, and their contributions to the American economy and society were significant. They worked in a variety of industries, including agriculture, fishing, and domestic work, and their labor helped power the country's growth and development. The episode features interviews with historians, experts, and descendants of these Filipino American workers, offering a rich and complex perspective on this little-known chapter of American history.

The episode also examines the stories of other Asian American communities during this time period, including the Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II and the Chinese Americans who faced decades of exclusionary laws and policies. Viewers learn about the struggles and challenges these communities faced and how they overcame them, often leaning on their own cultural traditions and values.

The episode also explores how Asian Americans found ways to contribute to the larger American society despite facing discrimination and marginalization. One key example is the story of the "Flying Tigers," a group of Chinese American pilots who fought in China during World War II. Their bravery and skill helped to turn the tide of the war and earned them respect and admiration from both Chinese and American societies.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to archival footage, photographs, and interviews with scholars, activists, and descendants of the people who lived during this time period. The stories are often heartbreaking, powerful, and inspiring, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the Asian American experience in the US.

Ultimately, "Good Americans" is a fitting title for this episode, as it showcases how Asian Americans have long been an integral part of the American story, working hard and enduring significant challenges in order to build a better life for themselves and their families. Viewers will come away from this episode with a new appreciation for the sacrifices and achievements of Asian Americans, as well as a deeper understanding of the complex and often tragic history of their communities in the United States.