Do you know where the phrase SIAMESE TWINS comes from?
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Chang and Eng Bunker (chosen surname) were conjoined brothers who were the basis for the phrase SIAMESE TWINS (which is now considered out dated, ethnically inaccurate, and offensive- used here only for reference).
They were born in Siam (hence the word Siamese) in 1811. They were of Chinese ancestry. More specifically from what is known as Thailand today. They were brought to the US in 1829. Upon arrival to the US, they were studied by physicians and written about in countless newspapers. Many racial stereotypes and prejudiced language can be found in these newspaper articles. Further fueling the curiosity and othering of those of Asian descent.
The twins were then prominently displayed in “freak shows” and toured around the country as oddities until they were eventually able to retire. As considerably wealthy men, I might add.
Upon retirement, they settled in North Carolina, and married sisters with whom they fathered 21 (Yes, TWENTY ONE) children between the two of them. And the story of how they lived, loved, and parented is just as intriguing as these two themselves.
Both brothers later died at the age of 62, within a few hours of one another.
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If you think back to the movie, Lady and the Tramp….
You might now be able to better recognize why the infamous scene with the cats is entrenched in anti-Asian racism and can be found offensive to those of Asian descent.
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Lesson 4- Historical Asian Americans – Early 1800s.
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Further learning:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chang-and-Eng
Video: 5 Minutes in Length
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