Yin & Young Podcast EP 72 : William Gee Wong - Author of "Sons of Chinatown"

Yin & Young Podcast

William Gee Wong (Bill) is a prominent figure in the realm of Chinese-American journalism and literature, recognized for his insightful contributions to the understanding of Asian American experiences. Born and raised in Oakland Chinatown in California, Bill's work often reflects his deep connection to his heritage and the diverse cultural landscape of his upbringing. Bill's narratives provide a vital perspective on the Asian American community's struggles and triumphs. Bill’s most recent endeavor is a memoir chronicling his own family’s immigration story as well as his life and career. Bill shares deep, personal insight into the Chinese American immigration experience during the early 20th century, the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and it’s impact on American society.

Bill’s website: https://www.williamgeewong.com/

Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction to William Gee Wong (Bill) and his recent memoir, “Sons of Chinatown.”

• 03:40 Bill’s father, mother, and sisters’ migration story.

• 11:02 Angel Island and the paper sons, paper marriage scheme.

• 16:23 Bill’s father’s “altercation” with his paper brother over losing money in the lottery business.

• 22:20 Bill’s father and mother really wanted a son. Some favoritism for sons.

• 25:47 We share our connections to the Bay Area. Bill’s “Chinatown bubble.”

• 33:05 Cultural separation from Hoishan-wa and his father. A connection to the Chinatown mindset.

• 36:40 Chinatown Tongs

• 45:50 Los Angeles Tong/Benevolent Association.

• 49:00 Bill’s identity search as he moved from Chinatown to bigger, whiter America and navigating these spaces in the journalism world.

• 01:00:57 Returns to writing and starts a weekly column highlighting Asian American issues at the Oakland Tribune.

• 01:05:12 What does it mean to be Asian American? Bill highlights the many different groups and histories this label encompasses.

• 01:16:50 James shares stories about being asked about his identity.

• 01:20:25 Dan shares his thoughts on the “Asian American” label and Hollywood casting.

• 01:22:30 Bill’s conversation with his son when they visited Bill’s father’s ancestral home (spoiler alert for those who plan to read the book).

• 01:30:40 Angel Island is depicted in Berkeley Rep’s: Far Country.

01:33:00 What do you to stay balanced?

• Walk around the neighborhood.

• Weightlifting.

01:36:00 Language corner:

• Taiwanese Hokkien (Reference: Mandarin and Taiwanese dictionary: iTaigi)

  • 免客氣 mián kheeh-khì - You’re welcome. (lit. Don’t be so polite).

  • 緣投 iân-tâu - handsome, good looks.

  • 無共款 bô-kāng-khuán - not the same, different

• Hoishan-wa/Taishanese

  • 哎呀/哎吔 aiya - oh my god!

• Japanese

  • おもろい omoroi - interesting [in the Kansai dialect].

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