The Dragon King, a powerful Chinese immigrant leader in San Francisco's Chinatown, views softskins as inferior due to several reasons:
* Historical Context: The novel is set in the early 20th century, a time when China was struggling with Western imperialism and exploitation. The Dragon King likely reflects the Chinese community's resentment towards the West for its colonial ambitions and unfair treatment.
* Cultural Differences: The Dragon King emphasizes Chinese traditions and values, seeing them as superior to Western ways. He perceives softskins as lacking the discipline, respect for elders, and community spirit that he values.
* Economic Competition: Softskins, particularly those in the American West, were often seen as competitors for jobs and resources. The Dragon King's view likely stems from this economic rivalry and the perceived threat to Chinese livelihoods.
* Personal Experience: The Dragon King may have had negative experiences with softskins, reinforcing his prejudice. The novel doesn't explicitly address this, but the historical context suggests such encounters were likely.
It's crucial to remember that the Dragon King's views are rooted in his personal experiences and the historical context of the novel. He represents a perspective common among some Chinese immigrants during that time, but not necessarily a universal view.
"Dragonwings" uses the Dragon King's prejudice as a tool to explore themes of cultural identity, prejudice, and the complexities of navigating a new world as an immigrant. It encourages readers to critically examine such viewpoints and challenge simplistic notions of superiority and inferiority.