Afong Moy is believed to be the 1st Chinese woman to ever set foot in the US. Sadly, she experienced

Afong Moy is believed to be the 1st Chinese woman to ever set foot in the US. Sadly, she experienced poor treatment and was displayed as an attraction known as “The Chinese Lady.” Her story highlights the long history of exoticism of Asian women. In 1834, American merchants Nathaniel and Frederick Carne made an arrangement with Moy’s father and she was brought from Guangzhou to NYC. The Carnes planned to use her as a marketing ploy to sell imported Chinese products. Through tours and exhibits, Moy was influential in shaping US perceptions and countering stereotypes of Chinese women. On stage, she was surrounded by luxury goods and “performed” by using chopsticks, singing songs, and answering (and rejecting) audience questions.Promotions and press coverage spread orientalist depictions of Moy that highlighted her clothing and bound feet. Hordes of white people paid to gawk at her. The challenges she survived are unimaginable. By the late 30s, evidence shows that Moy experienced financial difficulties, likely due to mistreatment by her “agents.” A decade later, Moy was back to performing. Her last known exhibition was in the NYC Hotel in April 1850. After this, records of Moy cannot be found.  -- source link

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