Question

Finally, what were some "escape avenues" for these Chinese prostitutes?

A) Marriage to Chinese American citizens, returning to China, seeking asylum in other countries
B) Education and job training, religious conversion, joining women's organizations
C) Entering domestic service, working in factories, becoming artists or performers
D) Becoming madams or brothel owners, seeking help from social reformers, engaging in activism

Answer 1

Chinese prostitutes in the US had limited escape avenues but could potentially seek better lives through marriage, returning to China, or seeking asylum, alongside engaging in social reform or activism, as indicated by the historical contexts of severe discrimination and restrictive laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the escape avenues available to Chinese prostitutes during times of hardship and discrimination in the US.

While the specific options listed are not accompanied by a definitive source that confirms their accuracy, historical contexts do suggest some possible ways these women could seek better lives, such as marriage to Chinese American citizens, returning to China, or seeking asylum, as well as becoming involved in social reform movement or activism, inspired by the treatment of women in the era of forced prostitution and sexual slavery under the Japanese military.

Historical Context

Chinese immigration to the United States in the 19th century was driven largely by poverty and the desire to escape the difficult conditions in China, such as the devastation of the Taiping Rebellion.

These immigrants faced severe discrimination and restrictions, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited further immigration. Despite these challenges, some Chinese immigrants established profitable businesses or formed communities through schools, churches, and fraternal organizations, retaining their language and customs while facing racist rhetoric and legislation.