Meaning: The quote "We are men, and propose to live like men in this free land, without the contamination of slave labor, or die like men, if need be, in asserting the rights of our race, our country, and our families" is a powerful statement made by Denis Kearney, a prominent political figure in late 19th-century America. This quote encapsulates the fervent spirit of resistance and determination that characterized the anti-Chinese sentiment and labor movement in the western United States during that time.

Denis Kearney was a key figure in the anti-Chinese movement, which gained momentum in response to the influx of Chinese immigrants who came to the United States seeking economic opportunities, particularly in the mining and railroad industries. The arrival of Chinese laborers was met with hostility and opposition from many American workers who perceived them as direct competition for jobs and as threats to their livelihoods.

Kearney's quote reflects the sentiment of many working-class Americans who were determined to preserve their economic opportunities and way of life in the face of what they perceived as unfair competition from Chinese labor. The reference to "slave labor" in the quote underscores the belief that Chinese workers were being exploited and paid unfairly, akin to the conditions of slavery, and that their presence threatened the livelihoods of American workers.

The phrase "live like men in this free land" conveys a sense of pride and determination to assert the rights of American workers and their families, emphasizing the desire for fair treatment and equal opportunities in the land of freedom and opportunity. The mention of "asserting the rights of our race, our country, and our families" speaks to the broader social and economic implications of the anti-Chinese movement, framing it as a struggle for the well-being and prosperity of the entire American community.

Kearney's quote is emblematic of the fervor and impassioned rhetoric that characterized the anti-Chinese movement, which culminated in the passage of laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States. This legislation reflected the sentiments expressed in Kearney's quote and the broader anti-Chinese movement, effectively barring Chinese laborers from entering the country and further exacerbating tensions between the Chinese immigrant community and the American labor force.

The quote also sheds light on the complexities of identity, race, and labor relations in American society during this period. The reference to "our race" highlights the racial dimension of the anti-Chinese sentiment, reflecting the perception of Chinese immigrants as fundamentally different and incompatible with the American population. This racial othering contributed to the dehumanization and marginalization of the Chinese immigrant community, fueling discriminatory attitudes and policies.

In conclusion, Denis Kearney's quote encapsulates the fierce determination and resistance of American workers in the late 19th century to preserve their economic opportunities and way of life in the face of perceived threats from Chinese labor. It reflects the broader social and economic tensions that characterized the anti-Chinese movement and the complexities of identity, race, and labor relations in American society during that time. Understanding the historical context and implications of this quote provides valuable insights into the challenges and conflicts that shaped American society in the late 19th century.