Before it became a cultural cliché, the rickshaw—from the Japanese jinrikisha (人力車, “human-powered vehicle”)—was a ubiquitous fixture of colonial cities across East and Southeast Asia.
Excellent essay, Chris. Hadn't thought of the parallels, especially as even in Iowa City immigrants, documented or otherwise, have a sizable slice of this employment sector.
I really enjoyed reading David Strand's Rickshaw Beijing for seminar with David Arkush, historian of Modern China.
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Excellent essay, Chris. Hadn't thought of the parallels, especially as even in Iowa City immigrants, documented or otherwise, have a sizable slice of this employment sector.