The Chinese Americans is the definitive source on the entire Chinese American experience, from Chinese sailors first arriving in the 1780s up to today. The most authoritative and comprehensive in scope, this volume chronicles the history of the Chinese diaspora to the United States and the economic, social, and political struggles of Chinese Americans, one of our largest and most prominent ethnic groups. Along with a survey of Chinese American contributions to art, literature, and film, Tong presents a thoughtful look at the fluid Chinese American identities, through the lenses of the "model minority," assimilation, evolving family life, women's roles, and gays and lesbians. Biographical portraits of many notable Chinese Americans enhance the text.