Asians have struggled with political, social, and economic dynamics that continue to redefine their identities and livelihoods. In particular, systematic migration, indentureship and racism have created disparities in multiple areas. These systems have helped reshape Asian identity, which has impacted their sense of belonging. Three different contexts discussed in class provide a framework for understanding how acts of action reframed their identities and facilitated or inhibited inclusion and equality. The "Asian-American movement" is notable in that it challenged predominant conceptions of an established identity by creating a new identity for Asians. For many ethnic Asians, the 1960s and 1970s were periods of political activism that greatly benefited them. Asian activists were banned together, forming a common identity as “Asian Americans.” Their organizations and programs provided ethnic groups with political, social, and economic structures that challenged those of white America and laid the foundation for the creation of that identity. As “Asian Americans,” activists sought to eliminate the stereotypes, discrimination, and exclusion that have prevailed throughout their history. Their resistance to negative representations against them has manifested itself in the form of social and political movements. The union between students and the Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) played a central role in creating a new identity for Asians. Specifically, student activists at San Francisco State University facilitated social change by exposing students from different and similar backgrounds to communities “cut off from higher education resources” (Lee 301). Many also formed organizations such as the Intercollegiate Chinese...... middle of paper ...... position, the photo features generations of Chinese people, including women and people who have not built the railway. If we did a “before and after”, the differences would be striking. This photo recognizes their accomplishments while showing their overwhelming presence in America. Literally, the photo attempts to show that Asians "were here and are here" and, in doing so, denounces the systems that have excluded Chinese people for so long. It is a response to the discrimination Asians face and confronts society with the reality of Asian inclusion. After all, there would be no need to document this point in history again if the Chinese had been recognized for their contributions. Therefore, the contrast between the old and new photos has a great impact as it makes the audience question the issues that triggered the exclusion of the Chinese..