Min Zhou, a Chinese-American documentary filmmaker, has devoted her life to uncovering the history of Chinese Americans from the 1850s through World War II—an impressive span of nearly 150 years. Her projects often spotlight the persistent oppression and discrimination faced by Asian Americans. “While the timeline of Chinese American history may seem brief at 150 to 170 years, the significance of their contributions to the development of the United States is substantial, yet frequently overlooked,” Zhou explains. She further reflects on the systemic discrimination that Chinese Americans have endured over the years, noting that their current struggles are particularly acute compared to other ethnic groups.
Throughout the pandemic, Zhou closely observed and documented the injustices directed at Chinese Americans. She cites the term “China Virus,” used by a national leader, as not only an insult but also a harmful label for the Chinese community. During this period, incidents of anti-Asian violence escalated alarmingly. Zhou recorded mass protests in the Bay Area that rallied against such hate and even produced a music video titled “Hate is Virus,” featuring a song by a Chinese American musician from New York.
“Watching people from diverse backgrounds come together during the protests was incredibly inspiring,” Zhou reflects. “They marched through Chinatown, chanting ‘Hate is Virus.’ That’s the vision for our nation—unified, rather than allowing issues of race and heritage to divide us.”
In light of the rising anti-Asian sentiment, Zhou underscores a rich tradition of self-reflection within Chinese culture, advocating for individuals to examine their own roles in society. She notes that Chinese Americans have historically been marginalized and emphasizes the importance of engaging more actively in politics and media to ensure their voices resonate in the White House and state legislatures. Zhou believes that promoting the evolution of Chinese culture through various artistic expressions is vital, especially to counteract previous negative representations in media.
Zhou argues that it will take collective action to challenge and reshape stereotypes that have lingered for over a century. “Change isn’t something that can be achieved by a handful of individuals or a sole generation,” she states. While it might be easier for Chinese Americans to focus on individual stability, she insists that building collective strength is crucial to prevent them from being scapegoated in times of crisis. With elections approaching, Zhou hopes to see more Chinese Americans stepping into political leadership roles.
Drawing comparisons with the histories of other ethnic groups, Zhou highlights the Irish, who faced discrimination while helping build America’s railroads, and African Americans, who endured slavery and fought for civil rights. She suggests that the Chinese community may require its own set of leaders—not just one Martin Luther King Jr., but many, to inspire transformative change.
