Laughing Back at Empire

In Laughing Back at Empire, Angie Wong delves into the story of the extraordinary individuals behind The Asianadian, one of Canada’s first magazines to amplify Asian voices. The magazine aimed to raise awareness of the experiences of Asians in everyday life as well as in key historical events, such as Second World War Japanese-Canadian internment camps, the 1914 Komagata Maru incident, and the exploitation of Chinese labourers in building the Canadian Pacific Railway. 

Publishing for seven years beginning in 1978, The Asianadian was groundbreaking in its mission not only to unite Asian voices but also to advocate for other marginalized racial and gender groups. Despite significant challenges in securing funding, the magazine’s contributors remained steadfast in their mission to challenge public perceptions of the global East and its peoples. 

They succeeded in creating a dedicated community of readers who found solace in seeing their experiences reflected. The magazine also provided access to valuable resources that catered to specific needs, such as for mental-health support. 

Wong is a senior consultant with Alberta Health Services and a lecturer at Mount Royal University in Calgary. In Laughing Back at Empire, she blends provocative academic critiques of colonialism with a compelling account of solidarity among young people from diverse backgrounds who worked together to foster greater tolerance and acceptance of cultural differences in Canada and in other settler-colonial societies.