How Did Asians Influence American Culture

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Asians first arrived to the U.S. in 1847, in a group of Chinese students. They come from islands within the Pacific Rim and the southern, eastern, and central parts of Asia (Joyner, Brian D.). Asians contributed to American culture in a boatload of ways. From bringing products and practices to influencing American language. Buddhism, Martial Arts, and even yoga, are some of the practices they brought with them when they came. Millions of people today still practice these things. For example, the UFC is an organization to practice ones martial arts skills with someone else, which in this day and age, is really popular. Same goes for yoga, people now rely on yoga for a sense of relaxation, and a way to become more balanced, the list goes on. Yoga has contributed to American culture by showing Americans a way to relax, it’s influenced many people to even start businesses surrounding the practice. Buddhism is …show more content…

Asians influenced houses of worship, such as churches, shrines, and temples. These contributed to American culture by influencing Americans to go to a place of worship and to even believe in something whether it be Buddha, God, or whomever. They gave Americans a place to practice their faith. Asians helped create the transcontinental railroad. This railroad helped extend trade, made travel faster and easier, and even led to many jobs. The transcontinental railroad even helped boost America’s economy. Some other things Asians brought with them that influenced American culture was their language, the Yo-Yo, and tea plants, bamboo roots, mulberry trees, etc… Their language influenced our language, for example “boondocks” was acquired from their word “Bundok”, the meanings were different but the word still helped contribute some language to the American culture. They even brought the Yo-Yo, which was extremely popular and is a part of many individuals’ lives, including