Introduction of "Coolie" Labor in the South

Cuba has had a relationship with southern states before and after the Civil War. With these strong ties introduced the ideas of Asian workers to Louisiana to white men who had traveled and visited between the US and Cuba. These ideas were implemented into American agriculture work soon before the abolishment of slavery. 

Colorism and Racism for workers
These Asian workers were viewed as "in between" white and black people. They were not African Americans who faced black codes and segregation. They were also not white Americans who were viewed as important in status. In social status, these laborers were viewed as higher than freed slaves and way lower than whites. 
Praises were made to these Asian workers about their work efforts and were made to compete against Black workers. 

"Journalist Whitelaw Reid reported that he had heard...'We can drive the n----- out and import coolies that work better, at less expense, and relieve us from this cursed n----- impudence.'"(Jung 79)

The skin color and ethnicity of these workers mattered a lot to plantation owners. Sugar planter, "Charles de Galon, a native Louisianian...pontificated on the 'docile and respectful' outlook of 'Hindoo Coolies' over the 'vicious, insubordinate' tendencies of the Chinese."(Jung 77)

Overall, everyone in the south was loving the import of Asian Laborers from Cuba. They were relishing in the cheap success of these workers while also increasing job competition as well. 


"CHEAP LABOR WANTED FOR THE COTTON FIELDS SOUTH"



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