ASIAN SETTLER COLONIALISM

The phrase "Asian settler colonialism" refers to the phenomenon of individuals from Asian

nations settling in foreign lands and exerting control over the indigenous populations and

territories. This process is frequently accompanied by the displacement, manipulation, and

subjugation of the original inhabitants.

The quoted passage, "While migration in and of itself does not equate to colonialism, migration

to a settler colonial space, where Native lands and resources are under political, ecological, and

spiritual contestation, means the political agency of immigrant communities can bolster a

colonial system initiated by White settlers (Saranillio, 286),” highlights the relationship between

migration and settler colonialism. In a settler colonial context, the land and resources of

Indigenous peoples are under constant political, ecological, and spiritual duress. When

immigrant communities migrate to such spaces, their political agency can perpetuate the colonial

system initiated by white settlers. This means that the actions and decisions of immigrant

communities can contribute to the oppression and marginalization of Indigenous peoples and

their resources.

Saranillio's viewpoint is important because it emphasizes how important it is for immigrant

groups to understand the political and historical backdrop to their migration. It is imperative that

these communities are aware of how their choices and actions might support colonial structures

and continue to oppress Indigenous peoples. Immigrant communities must fight toward

decolonization by identifying and rejecting the ways in which they may be supporting colonial

structures in order to challenge settler colonialism.

A historical demonstration of Asian settler colonialism is the colonization of Hawai'i in the 19th

century by American and European settlers. This event caused the displacement and loss of land

and resources for the Native Hawaiian people and led to their exploitation. Furthermore, the

American and European settlers imposed their political, cultural, and economic systems on the

islands, which resulted in the further marginalization of the Native Hawaiian community. This

historical example highlights the negative effects of Asian settler colonialism, including the

displacement and exploitation of Indigenous peoples and the imposition of dominant cultural and

economic systems.

A contemporary example of Asian settler colonialism can be observed in the manner in which

Indigenous peoples are treated in New Zealand by Asian immigrants. Recently, there has been a

rise in the number of Asian immigrants settling in New Zealand, particularly from nations such

as China and India. This has led to the displacement and exploitation of the Indigenous Maori

population, who have been relegated to the sidelines and are not receiving the political and

economic advantages of the country. This contemporary example showcases the ongoing

negative consequences of Asian settler colonialism, including the displacement and exploitation

of Indigenous peoples and their exclusion from political and economic opportunities.

To summarize, the phenomenon of Asian settler colonialism encompasses the act of individuals

from Asian countries settling in foreign lands and imposing their dominance over the native

inhabitants. This often leads to the exploitation and oppression of the Indigenous peoples, as well

as the displacement of their resources. It is an important aspect to consider within Asian

American studies and the larger Asian diaspora, as it has had significant impacts on the

relationships between Indigenous peoples and Asian immigrants, and must be thoroughly

examined and addressed.

Source:

Saranillio, Dean Itsuji. "Why Asian settler colonialism matters: a thought piece on critiques,

debates, and Indigenous difference." Settler Colonial Studies, vol. 3, no. 3-4, 2013, pp. 280-294.