Moyers explores Chinese American history

Becoming American: The Chinese Experience

Airs: Sunday, March 30 from 1:30 pm to 6 pm
Educator Rights: 1 Year

Web: http://www.pbs.org/becomingamerican

Bill Moyers and a team of filmmakers collaborate to tell the dramatic story of the Chinese experience in America in Becoming American: The Chinese Experience.

The saga begins in the mid-19th century, when civil war, flood and famine in southern China persuaded thousands of young men to leave family and village, clinging to the hope that they could find a fortune in the California Gold Rush. But the welcome they first received as immigrants in America soon turned cold. Racism and an economic downturn made the Chinese an easy target for politicians who rallied the public against them. For 150 years, Chinese Americans have struggled to overcome discrimination and prejudice.

Becoming American: The Chinese Experience tells the fascinating story that opened the door to Asians and other non-Europeans to come to America in record numbers.