The Historian's Table: Introducing...The Historian's Table

Release Date: September 26, 2024

Introduction

In the premiere episode of The Historian's Table, host Charles Fournier sets the stage for a compelling exploration of history intertwined with personal narratives. Emphasizing the show's philosophy, Fournier underscores that understanding history necessitates an honest reflection on ourselves and the historians who document the past. This inaugural episode introduces listeners to Diego Javier Luis, a young and multifaceted historian whose work challenges traditional narratives within Asian American history.

Meet Diego Javier Luis

Diego Javier Luis emerges as a central figure in this discussion, portrayed not as an infallible academic but as a relatable and complex individual. Fournier describes Diego with a personal touch:

• A: “Historians are not faceless gods who gift their work to the masses on corduroy platters. They’re people like Diego.” [00:02]

Through this lens, Diego is presented as a historian whose diverse heritage—Chinese, Cuban, and European Jewish descent—adds depth and nuance to his scholarly pursuits.

Diego's Contributions to Asian American History

Diego's latest scholarly endeavor redefines the scope of Asian American history by shifting the focus from the well-trodden narratives of railroad laborers to the maritime endeavors of the Manila galleons that commenced in the 16th century. This groundbreaking work not only broadens the temporal framework but also highlights the enduring legacy of these early trans-Pacific voyages.

• A: “Diego is not perfect.” [00:20]
• B: “Well, it’s complicated.” [00:21]

Fournier acknowledges Diego's imperfections, suggesting that these flaws enhance his ability to present a more intricate and authentic portrayal of historical events.

• A: “But his imperfections help him complicate our views of the past. His latest work recenters Asian American history away from the railroads to the trans Pacific voyages of the Manila galleons that started in the 16th century.” [00:22]

Diego's research underscores the persistence of historical influences, noting that even events from centuries ago continue to shape contemporary society.

• B: “Even though it happened hundreds of years ago, you can still see the pieces of that that are still around and it impacts our lives.” [00:36]

Personal Reflections and Identity

A significant portion of the episode delves into the intersection of Diego's personal identity and his professional work. As a historian of mixed heritage, Diego embodies the very complexities his research seeks to unravel.

• B: “It's just part of that searching for an origin thing. You know, you're never really going to find that place where you truly fit in, especially as a mixed kid, but you want to go through that search.” [01:17]

This introspection reveals how Diego's quest for understanding his roots mirrors his academic pursuit of uncovering lesser-known facets of history.

Expanding Historical Narratives

The conversation further explores the terminology and perceptions surrounding early Asian immigrants in the Americas. Diego elucidates the historical context and the evolving labels used to describe these individuals.

• B: “When any Asian arrived in the Americas, they were called chinos.” [01:32]

This statement highlights the racial categorizations of the past and sets the stage for a deeper examination of identity and historical representation.

Looking Ahead: Season One and Beyond

As Fournier wraps up the episode, he teases the structure of the upcoming season— a six-part series dedicated to Diego Javier Luis and his pioneering research on the first Asians in the Americas. Each episode promises to delve into thematic parallels between Diego's personal experiences and his scholarly investigations, offering listeners a multifaceted understanding of history and identity.

• A: “Tune in to season one of the Historian's the First Asians in the Americas, coming to you October 29th on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you share podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to help us reach more people. Give a rating, write a review and tell everyone you know.” [01:36]

Notable Quotes

• A: “Historians are not faceless gods who gift their work to the masses on corduroy platters. They’re people like Diego.” [00:02]

• B: “I'm sitting here with Diego Javier Luis. You are a young professor. You are Chinese, Cuban and European Jewish descent. Is that fair to say? That's fair to say.” [00:09]

• B: “It's just part of that searching for an origin thing. You know, you're never really going to find that place where you truly fit in, especially as a mixed kid, but you want to go through that search.” [01:17]

• B: “When any Asian arrived in the Americas, they were called chinos.” [01:32]

Conclusion

The introductory episode of The Historian's Table successfully establishes a foundation for an engaging and thought-provoking series. By spotlighting Diego Javier Luis and his innovative approach to Asian American history, the podcast promises to deliver rich insights that challenge conventional narratives and encourage listeners to reflect on the intricate ties between history and personal identity. As the series unfolds, audiences can anticipate a nuanced exploration of the past, informed by the diverse perspectives of those who study it.

Stay tuned for Season One, premiering on October 29th, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.