Moy toured the country marketing Chinese goods to American consumers and at each stop, she captivated audiences—in particular, Americans were fascinated by her bound feet and the spoken Chinese language.
-
-
Show this thread
-
In 1835, Afong Moy was invited to the White House to meet President Andrew Jackson. Image: White House Collectionpic.twitter.com/25vcRmPOCV
Show this thread -
The meeting went well, Moy told reporters that: “his kind and courteous manner appeared amply to compensate . . . for the deficiency of outward grandeur.” He also encouraged the Chinese to “abandon the custom of cramping their feet.”
Show this thread -
This meeting is evidence of both Moy’s popularity in America as well as increased interest in opening trade and diplomatic relations with Asia in the nineteenth century.
Show this thread -
Unfortunately, Afong Moy also faced outright discrimination, Orientalism, and exploitation, as she was frequently treated more like a sideshow or oddity than a person.
Show this thread -
In fact, P.T. Barnum of circus fame managed Moy in the latter half of her life. As part of Barnum’s troupe, Afong showed national audiences how to use chopsticks, sang Chinese songs, and revealed her unbandaged feet. Image: Library of Congresspic.twitter.com/Pw21psFK4G
Show this thread -
These performances ultimately cemented her role in America as a curiosity, rather than a human being. Afong Moy’s fate is unknown, but her influence on American understanding of Chinese culture in the nineteenth century cannot be overstated.
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
Show additional replies, including those that may contain offensive content
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.