Strangers From A Different Shore: Chapter 4

It'll be interesting to see if Takaki goes in-depth on the perspectives of the Hawaiian natives on the incoming immigrants.  Some first-hand perspectives from the natives would be valuable in this chapter.

Comparing the ethnic composition of Hawaii and California isn't really a fair comparison, due to vastly different population densities (Hawaii was easier to fill with people because of lower population density.)

Contrast between perceived productiveness (Japanese are very good labourers) vs. attitude of labourers on productivity (not used to strictly set working times.)  White perspective: the Japanese are good labourers because they have fewer problems with labour.  Japanese perspective: the labour is harsh and very unpleasant.  What factors contributed to the productivity of immigrant labourers in spite of their malcontentedness and realisation of the reality of their expectations?

The fact that the serial numbers of the labourers were used more commonly than their names supports the idea that the labourers were treated with no more regard than commodities or supplies.  Could it also have something to do with unwillingness to pronounce foreign names?

The conclusion that the labourers were treated poorly does not coincide with "humanity in industry pays."  Takaki offers no explanation for this discrepancy.

A major difference in stereotypes of Asian people is evident.  Once viewed as unfit for skilled positions, they are now stereotyped better suited for skilled positions (e.g. engineering and math related fields.)

The fact that labourers would consistently struggle against the planters in the interests of improving conditions suggest that the tactics employed by the planters such as encouraging racial competition and wage fixing were not effective.

The popular feigning of illness amongst the labourers couldn't have made them look like good workers in the eyes of their overseers.  Contributed to the harsh treatment?

This chapter takes a very interesting turn with much of the second half not describing the deplorable conditions, but rather seemingly rich, diverse, and thriving communities within the plantations.  There is little evident connection between the two "sections" of the chapter.

There is also no apparent thesis.  Takaki instead seems to prefer to narrate experiences of Asian immigrants / Asian-Americans, and not draw significant conclusions.