The Historian's Table: Act II – Culturally Adrift

Release Date: November 5, 2024

Introduction

In Act II of "The Historian's Table," titled "Culturally Adrift," host Charles Fournier delves into the intricate relationship between historical labeling and personal identity. Drawing from the experiences of Diego Javier Luis, the episode explores how external labels shape self-identification and community formation among Asians in the Americas during the colonial period.

Diego's Journey of Identity Exploration

Diego Javier Luis shares his personal journey of seeking identity, heavily influenced by his family's engagement with martial arts. He reflects:

"We had our own sort of family mythology of what it meant to be Chinese. We saw martial art movies, we trained martial arts. We had family pictures of my Chinese grandfather. And we knew that that was like a fundamental piece of who we were."
— Julian Sapariti [03:55]

Growing up in the Lower East Side of New York, Diego's father trained in various martial arts, instilling a unique cultural identity that Diego embraced, despite it not aligning directly with his ancestral history. This self-identification through martial arts became a cornerstone of Diego's sense of self, illustrating how individuals often latch onto available cultural symbols to forge their identities.

The Spanish Colonial Labeling System

Charles Fournier elucidates the historical context of racial labeling under the Spanish Empire:

"The Spanish during the Spanish Empire, labeled groups of people, often in an effort to differentiate themselves from who they were. Not the Spanish, along with much of Europe at the time, categorized their own identity through religion."
— Charles Fournier [18:07]

This system categorized individuals based on race, religion, and lineage, establishing a hierarchy that facilitated control and justified the enslavement of various groups. Terms like "negro," "indio," and "chino" were employed to classify and manage the diverse populations within the colonies.

The 'Chino' Label: Origins and Implications

The term "chino," Spanish for "Chinese," became a blanket label applied to all Asians arriving in the Americas, regardless of their specific ethnic or linguistic backgrounds:

"Chino literally means Chinese in Spanish. But regardless of one's background, where they came from, whether they were Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Southeast Asian, or Indian, etc., no matter where they came from, what language they spoke, they were called a chino."
— Julian Sapariti [21:27]

This oversimplification disregarded the rich diversity among Asian populations, forcing disparate groups into a singular identity. The label "chino" not only erased individual cultural distinctions but also imposed a collective identity that had profound social and legal ramifications.

Social and Legal Repercussions of the 'Chino' Label

Being labeled as "chino" placed Asians within a rigid caste system that dictated their social standing and legal rights:

"Chinos had to create a new sense identity in the Americas. The nature of the space they were in, the people they were around, the religion they converted to, and the caste hierarchy they found themselves in all contributed to something new."
— Charles Fournier [32:05]

Legally, "chinos" were subjected to restrictions that indigenous "indios" were not. They could be enslaved, prosecuted by the Inquisition, and faced numerous laws limiting their occupational and social opportunities. This stratification not only marginalized "chinos" but also fostered intra-group connections as individuals sought solidarity amidst shared oppression.

Fluidity and Resistance within the 'Chino' Category

Despite the oppressive nature of the "chino" label, some individuals navigated the system to assert their distinct identities or improve their social standing:

"There are Asians in Mexico who sought to make themselves, on a legal and social level, almost indistinguishable from the colonial elite... Some of them owned slaves... petitioned for licenses to do things that other Chinos had been legally prevented from doing."
— Julian Sapariti [29:22]

This fluidity allowed certain "chinos" to ascend the social hierarchy by aligning themselves with the colonial elite, marrying into different ethnic groups, or leveraging military service for status. However, these actions also highlight the complexities and moral ambiguities faced by individuals striving for betterment within a rigidly structured society.

Diego's Academic Reflections and Historical Insights

Diego's personal experiences with identity and labeling profoundly influenced his academic pursuits. He approached his research with empathy, understanding that historical figures were multifaceted individuals rather than monolithic heroes or villains:

"Looking at history with a level of empathy may give us a more honest view of people in the past because they were still humans. It also means that projecting identities onto the past may disregard the complexity of the past."
— Charles Fournier [32:05]

This perspective underscores the importance of nuanced historical analysis, recognizing the diverse experiences and identities that shaped historical events and social dynamics.

Conclusion: Empathy and Complexity in Historical Identity

Act II of "The Historian's Table" emphasizes the intricate interplay between external labels and personal identity. Diego Javier Luis's journey illustrates how historical labeling systems like the "chino" category imposed by the Spanish Empire not only shaped individual identities but also fostered community among marginalized groups. The episode advocates for an empathetic and multifaceted approach to history, urging listeners to appreciate the complexities of human experiences beyond simplistic categorizations.

Notable Quotes

• "When in search of an identity, oftentimes the identity that we pursue is not the identity we end up with."
  — Charles Fournier [01:59]

• "You can't judge anybody, you know, you have to take everyone as they are, and they take you as you are."
  — Julian Sapariti [15:52]

• "The reality that there are no heroes in an honest history, just humans."
  — Charles Fournier [34:32]

Final Thoughts

Diego's exploration of identity through martial arts, travel, and academic research offers valuable insights into how historical labels impact personal and communal identities. By examining the term "chino" and its implications, the episode sheds light on the broader themes of race, identity, and community formation in colonial societies. This nuanced exploration invites listeners to reflect on how historical contexts continue to influence contemporary understandings of identity and belonging.