The word assimilation and its companion metaphor, the melting pot, have long been used to convey an understanding or assumption that newcomers— immigrants—must somehow conform to a certain notion of “Americanness” in order to fit in, be accepted, and ultimately become a citizen. The notion of assimilation has existed since the very beginnings of our country going back deep into colonial times. One question behind this concept is, “Who is assimilating into what?” The lesson starts with taking students through a quick overview of the history of what assimilation has meant in American history with a particular focus on the Asian American experience. Following the overview, students will explore the challenges that Chinese and Asian Americans have faced on that path towards becoming American. Some of these challenges are ones faced not only by immigrants, but also by Native Americans and African Americans. Other challenges have taken on specific characteristics related to stereotypes about Asians, most notably ones portraying Asians as the model minority and the perpetual foreigner.

By the end of the lesson, students will reassess the meaning of assimilation in the context of today’s America.