Bengali resilience
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Migrating to the US in the 1800s meant exclusionary frameworks towards Asians, especially with policies such as the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 and the Alien Contract Labor Law in 1885. With these policies in place, Indians were fearful of traveling all the way there only to be rejected. In addition to these policies and laws in policies, people who decided who were allowed in or not often had their prejudices based on physical appearances such as the skin color of Asians so it was easier for them to pinpoint who was acceptable to enter or not because the classifications were already made up in their heads that corresponds to the policies. People in the U.S. were preoccupied with the idea of keeping a homogenous society, so differences in languages, complexions, and cultures were imposing on that goal, which ultimately made it extremely difficult or nearly impossible for South Asians to settle in the states, and live a normal healthy life.
Many Bengali Muslim seamen or lascars did manage to reach the States by using colonial shipping paths which allowed them to bypass some immigration restrictions, but even after reaching there, they were faced with inequalities and the possibility of being sent back. Many of them settled in New York and blended in with other groups such as the Puerto Rican and Black communities. Bald hints that intertwining into these communities through work or marriages, helped these immigrants navigate themselves into a very complex social landscape because it allowed them to network with one another, which essentially became support systems for them. It was easier for them to move to New York, especially East Harlem because it was already very diverse in population composition, who are facing similar inequality challenges.
To add, in the first half of the 1900s the Jewish population grew significantly in the states, and so more businesses including restaurants came into appearance. This further diversified the American society on the land they migrated to. Bald further explains how it is possible that because of kosher butchers, provided a close alternative for the Muslim community who wanted to eat halal (p.166).
Their survival was also possible through engaging with the American Orient gaze as they had the potential to provide "oriental goods" such as silk, small rugs, and perfumes (p. 15). It appeased the American fantasy of the unknown beauties that can be used for personal pleasures and enjoyment. They were also seen as goods themselves outside the immigration context, as Bald explains how Indians, along with animals were imported to perform in public spectacles and exotic performances (p.17).
Chap 5:
The Bengal Garden served as a vital social hub for Indian seamen and the Bengali Muslim community in New York, facilitating cultural exchange and community building. The Bengal Garden became a gathering place for meetings and events, further consolidating the community and connecting ex-seamen with local residents and other immigrant groups. It was a place where people were making monetary gains on something that belonged to them from people who understood what they were selling, thus bringing back a sense of dignity and humanity that Indian immigrants might have lost along the difficult way while settling in the States.