Asian-Americans: the Unbearable Whiteness of Being?
By MICHAEL OMI
In his memoir, the author Eric Liu reflects on being the bearer of a strange new status — "white, by acclamation." He writes in The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker (Random House, 1998), "Some are born white, others achieve whiteness, still others have whiteness thrust upon them."
Asian-Americans, it seems, are experiencing the last fate. Just as previous "outsiders" — such as the Irish and the Jews — have been incorporated into our collective notions of who is white, some scholars and policy makers believe that Asian-Americans are following such a trajectory of inclusion under an expanded definition of "whiteness."
The sociologist George Yancey, in Who Is White? Latinos, Asians, and the New Black/Nonblack Divide (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2003), argues that Asian-Americans, along with some Latinos, are undergoing significant levels of structural, marital, and identificational assimilation. He draws upon survey data to illustrate that the social attitudes of Asian-Americans on a number of issues are closer to those of whites than blacks. Yancey believes that a black/nonblack divide is emerging in the United States as Asian-Americans and Latinos become "white" and blacks continue to endure a specific form of what he calls racial "alienation."
Read the rest of this story at: http://chronicle.com/weekly/v55/i05/05b05601.htm
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Celebrate Citizenship Day
[Note from Howard Wang] Rep. Mike Honda, along with other members of the CAPAC, was instrumental in getting the legislation that designate colleges and universities serving a large percentage of needy Asian American and Pacific Islanders as AANAPI (or Asian American Native American Pacific Islanders) Serving Institutions last year.
Please read H.R. 6617 and S. 3334 (see links below) and support this legislation. Please pass this on as you see fit. Thanks.
Celebrate Citizenship Day
Washington, DC – This evening, Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, will deliver a speech on the House floor celebrating Citizenship Day. Please find below his remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Madame Speaker, as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I rise to celebrate Citizenship Day.
“Today, we celebrate our allegiance to the United States of America, a country that honors freedom, opportunity, and justice for all, whose promise of opportunity has inspired people from around the world, throughout our history, to leave their homelands to take part in the American dream. Citizenship Day gives us the opportunity to reflect upon our country and its dream.
“From our founding and at our very core, America has always been a nation of immigrants, documented and undocumented, who have made great contributions to our nation. They built our transcontinental railroad that injected new life and industry into the American West, and their entrepreneurship and labor spurred the economy in our early American cities. By now, we should know that 'immigrant' is not a dirty word.
“In 2006, the Boston Globe reported that immigrants started one in four venture-backed companies since 1990, and two in five in high technology. Foreign born entrepreneurs have certainly made their mark in my district in Silicon Valley, helping to found companies including Intel, eBay, Yahoo and Google.
“Their contributions are also felt in the small business sector, as immigrants are one of the fastest-growing segments of small business owners in the United States. According to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, immigrants far outpace native-born Americans in entrepreneurial activity.
“Looking toward our future with our aging workforce and our social security crisis, we need their contributions, now more than ever.
“And despite this tough economy and in this tough economy, their entrepreneurial spirit is helping to keep our American dream alive. After all, generation after generation of immigrants has taken oath to become American citizens with love of country and commitment to America’s promise. The faster we embrace each generation, the faster they become integrated as new Americans, and the stronger we are as a truly united country.
“That is why I introduced The Strengthening Communities through Education & Integration Act. The Act would invest in adult education programs for English language learners, including civics programs that teach newcomers about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
“As a former principal and school teacher, I know the importance of investing in our youth. This bill would ensure that our nation’s children and schools have adequate funding and resources for vital literacy programs for English language learners. It would assist schools with teacher recruitment for English language learners.
“It would also provide tax incentives for employers to offer training and ESL programs to their employees, and would support state and local initiatives in English language and civics education.
“My legislation is supported by a broad coalition of business groups, labor unions, literacy and education coalitions, immigrant advocacy organizations, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic advocates, and faith based organizations, all who realize the importance of integrating new American communities. In the spirit of Citizenship Day, I invite my colleagues in Congress to join me as a cosponsor of H.R. 6617 and S. 3334. Thank you.”
###
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda. house.gov/ capac.
Please read H.R. 6617 and S. 3334 (see links below) and support this legislation. Please pass this on as you see fit. Thanks.
Celebrate Citizenship Day
Washington, DC – This evening, Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, will deliver a speech on the House floor celebrating Citizenship Day. Please find below his remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Madame Speaker, as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I rise to celebrate Citizenship Day.
“Today, we celebrate our allegiance to the United States of America, a country that honors freedom, opportunity, and justice for all, whose promise of opportunity has inspired people from around the world, throughout our history, to leave their homelands to take part in the American dream. Citizenship Day gives us the opportunity to reflect upon our country and its dream.
“From our founding and at our very core, America has always been a nation of immigrants, documented and undocumented, who have made great contributions to our nation. They built our transcontinental railroad that injected new life and industry into the American West, and their entrepreneurship and labor spurred the economy in our early American cities. By now, we should know that 'immigrant' is not a dirty word.
“In 2006, the Boston Globe reported that immigrants started one in four venture-backed companies since 1990, and two in five in high technology. Foreign born entrepreneurs have certainly made their mark in my district in Silicon Valley, helping to found companies including Intel, eBay, Yahoo and Google.
“Their contributions are also felt in the small business sector, as immigrants are one of the fastest-growing segments of small business owners in the United States. According to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, immigrants far outpace native-born Americans in entrepreneurial activity.
“Looking toward our future with our aging workforce and our social security crisis, we need their contributions, now more than ever.
“And despite this tough economy and in this tough economy, their entrepreneurial spirit is helping to keep our American dream alive. After all, generation after generation of immigrants has taken oath to become American citizens with love of country and commitment to America’s promise. The faster we embrace each generation, the faster they become integrated as new Americans, and the stronger we are as a truly united country.
“That is why I introduced The Strengthening Communities through Education & Integration Act. The Act would invest in adult education programs for English language learners, including civics programs that teach newcomers about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
“As a former principal and school teacher, I know the importance of investing in our youth. This bill would ensure that our nation’s children and schools have adequate funding and resources for vital literacy programs for English language learners. It would assist schools with teacher recruitment for English language learners.
“It would also provide tax incentives for employers to offer training and ESL programs to their employees, and would support state and local initiatives in English language and civics education.
“My legislation is supported by a broad coalition of business groups, labor unions, literacy and education coalitions, immigrant advocacy organizations, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic advocates, and faith based organizations, all who realize the importance of integrating new American communities. In the spirit of Citizenship Day, I invite my colleagues in Congress to join me as a cosponsor of H.R. 6617 and S. 3334. Thank you.”
###
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda. house.gov/ capac.
OCA Lauds House Decision to Honor Asian American Service in Civil War
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 July 2008
CONTACTS
Hope Chu
Senior Communications Manager
202 223 5500
hchu@ocanational. org
Sarah Smith
Communications Manager
202 223 5500
ssmith@ocanational. org
OCA LAUDS HOUSE DECISION TO HONOR ASIAN AMERICAN SERVICE IN CIVIL WAR
WASHINGTON DC—OCA, a national Asian Pacific American organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates around the country, applauded the decision of the US House of Representatives to recognize Asian Pacific Americans who served in the US Civil War.
Historians have uncovered documentation of APAs serving during the Civil War on both sides, in both the Army and the Navy. Because of discrimination and laws such as the Naturalization Act of 1870 and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, many of these soldiers were denied US citizenship, pensions, and benefits, even after their service. HR 415 will honor two men of Chinese ancestry, Edward Day Cohota and Joseph L. Pierce, who fought in the Civil War.
“Asian Pacific Americans have struggled to have our contributions recognized. This resolution highlights the participation of APAs in one of the most iconic times in US history,” said Ginny Gong , OCA National President. “OCA thanks the House of Representatives, and especially the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus under the leadership of Representative Mike Honda (D-CA), for their action, which will ensure that the history of Asians in America is remembered fully and correctly.”
“HR 415 is the result of years of effort by many individuals to bring recognition and justice for these soldiers,” said Michael C Lin, OCA Executive Director. “In addition to the continued efforts to gain full recognition and benefits for Filipino soldiers serving under US command during World War II, this measure will continue to establish Asian Pacific Americans as an integral and important part of US history.”
Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States .
31 July 2008
CONTACTS
Hope Chu
Senior Communications Manager
202 223 5500
hchu@ocanational. org
Sarah Smith
Communications Manager
202 223 5500
ssmith@ocanational. org
OCA LAUDS HOUSE DECISION TO HONOR ASIAN AMERICAN SERVICE IN CIVIL WAR
WASHINGTON DC—OCA, a national Asian Pacific American organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates around the country, applauded the decision of the US House of Representatives to recognize Asian Pacific Americans who served in the US Civil War.
Historians have uncovered documentation of APAs serving during the Civil War on both sides, in both the Army and the Navy. Because of discrimination and laws such as the Naturalization Act of 1870 and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, many of these soldiers were denied US citizenship, pensions, and benefits, even after their service. HR 415 will honor two men of Chinese ancestry, Edward Day Cohota and Joseph L. Pierce, who fought in the Civil War.
“Asian Pacific Americans have struggled to have our contributions recognized. This resolution highlights the participation of APAs in one of the most iconic times in US history,” said Ginny Gong , OCA National President. “OCA thanks the House of Representatives, and especially the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus under the leadership of Representative Mike Honda (D-CA), for their action, which will ensure that the history of Asians in America is remembered fully and correctly.”
“HR 415 is the result of years of effort by many individuals to bring recognition and justice for these soldiers,” said Michael C Lin, OCA Executive Director. “In addition to the continued efforts to gain full recognition and benefits for Filipino soldiers serving under US command during World War II, this measure will continue to establish Asian Pacific Americans as an integral and important part of US history.”
Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States .
OCA Lauds House Decision to Honor Asian American Service in Civil War
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 July 2008
CONTACTS
Hope Chu
Senior Communications Manager
202 223 5500
hchu@ocanational. org
Sarah Smith
Communications Manager
202 223 5500
ssmith@ocanational. org
OCA LAUDS HOUSE DECISION TO HONOR ASIAN AMERICAN SERVICE IN CIVIL WAR
WASHINGTON DC—OCA, a national Asian Pacific American organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates around the country, applauded the decision of the US House of Representatives to recognize Asian Pacific Americans who served in the US Civil War.
Historians have uncovered documentation of APAs serving during the Civil War on both sides, in both the Army and the Navy. Because of discrimination and laws such as the Naturalization Act of 1870 and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, many of these soldiers were denied US citizenship, pensions, and benefits, even after their service. HR 415 will honor two men of Chinese ancestry, Edward Day Cohota and Joseph L. Pierce, who fought in the Civil War.
“Asian Pacific Americans have struggled to have our contributions recognized. This resolution highlights the participation of APAs in one of the most iconic times in US history,” said Ginny Gong , OCA National President. “OCA thanks the House of Representatives, and especially the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus under the leadership of Representative Mike Honda (D-CA), for their action, which will ensure that the history of Asians in America is remembered fully and correctly.”
“HR 415 is the result of years of effort by many individuals to bring recognition and justice for these soldiers,” said Michael C Lin, OCA Executive Director. “In addition to the continued efforts to gain full recognition and benefits for Filipino soldiers serving under US command during World War II, this measure will continue to establish Asian Pacific Americans as an integral and important part of US history.”
Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States .
31 July 2008
CONTACTS
Hope Chu
Senior Communications Manager
202 223 5500
hchu@ocanational. org
Sarah Smith
Communications Manager
202 223 5500
ssmith@ocanational. org
OCA LAUDS HOUSE DECISION TO HONOR ASIAN AMERICAN SERVICE IN CIVIL WAR
WASHINGTON DC—OCA, a national Asian Pacific American organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates around the country, applauded the decision of the US House of Representatives to recognize Asian Pacific Americans who served in the US Civil War.
Historians have uncovered documentation of APAs serving during the Civil War on both sides, in both the Army and the Navy. Because of discrimination and laws such as the Naturalization Act of 1870 and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, many of these soldiers were denied US citizenship, pensions, and benefits, even after their service. HR 415 will honor two men of Chinese ancestry, Edward Day Cohota and Joseph L. Pierce, who fought in the Civil War.
“Asian Pacific Americans have struggled to have our contributions recognized. This resolution highlights the participation of APAs in one of the most iconic times in US history,” said Ginny Gong , OCA National President. “OCA thanks the House of Representatives, and especially the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus under the leadership of Representative Mike Honda (D-CA), for their action, which will ensure that the history of Asians in America is remembered fully and correctly.”
“HR 415 is the result of years of effort by many individuals to bring recognition and justice for these soldiers,” said Michael C Lin, OCA Executive Director. “In addition to the continued efforts to gain full recognition and benefits for Filipino soldiers serving under US command during World War II, this measure will continue to establish Asian Pacific Americans as an integral and important part of US history.”
Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States .
Time Magazine: Family Conflict and Suicide among Asian Americans
Time magazine published an article based on research finding that family conflict is a strong predictor in suicide and suicide ideation among Asian Americans.
Here's the link: http://www.time.%20com/time/%20health/article/%200,8599,1833971,%2000.html?cnn= yes
Please share this information with your Counselling Centers and with others who have a lot of contact with Asian American students.
Here's the link: http://www.time.%20com/time/%20health/article/%200,8599,1833971,%2000.html?cnn= yes
Please share this information with your Counselling Centers and with others who have a lot of contact with Asian American students.
NCAPA: AAPI Serving INstitutions Program Became Law!
National Council of Asian Pacific Americans
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2008
CONTACT: Soumary Vongrassamy, Education Advocate, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, at mailto:soumary@searac.org or 202-667-4690
Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Program Became Law!
Washington, D.C.—On August 14, 2008, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISI) program—as a provision of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137)—became law! Aligned to the goals of other minority serving institution (MSI) programs, the AAPISI program will expand the capacities of higher education institutions to better serve college students, particularly those with low-income and/or Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) ethnic backgrounds. The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) applauds Congressman David Wu (D-OR) and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), as led by Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), on marshaling the AAPISI program into law. “Too often are our AAPI students overshadowed by the model minority stereotype—as if they have no needs whatsoever,” says NCAPA Chair Floyd Mori, “This historic program is a giant step forward to addressing those neglected needs.” Under H.R. 4137, the AAPISI program will be extended through fiscal year 2013, and allow schools to expand services such as tutoring, counseling, collecting data on AAPI populations, outreaching to AAPI communities to encourage youth to pursue post-secondary education, and partnering with community-based organizations serving AAPI populations.Furthermore, federal agencies will be able to use the AAPISI designation to target grants and programs to AAPI students and communities. For example, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has provided millions of dollars in grants to MSIs under the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) designations so that they can expand their capacities to serve low-income and under-represented African- and Latino American students. With a similar designation, AAPISIs will be able to reap comparable benefits, which can further support low-income and underserved AAPI students and communities.
To monitor the implementation of H.R. 4137's provisions including the AAPISI program, please visit http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html#dcl.
Founded in 1996, the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) is a coalition of twenty-six nationwide Asian American interest organizations that advocate for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. ### To maintain consistency with past information and to prevent confusion among community affiliates, NCAPA will continue to use this shorten name instead of the longer “Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions.”
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2008
CONTACT: Soumary Vongrassamy, Education Advocate, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, at mailto:soumary@searac.org or 202-667-4690
Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Program Became Law!
Washington, D.C.—On August 14, 2008, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISI) program—as a provision of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137)—became law! Aligned to the goals of other minority serving institution (MSI) programs, the AAPISI program will expand the capacities of higher education institutions to better serve college students, particularly those with low-income and/or Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) ethnic backgrounds. The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) applauds Congressman David Wu (D-OR) and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), as led by Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), on marshaling the AAPISI program into law. “Too often are our AAPI students overshadowed by the model minority stereotype—as if they have no needs whatsoever,” says NCAPA Chair Floyd Mori, “This historic program is a giant step forward to addressing those neglected needs.” Under H.R. 4137, the AAPISI program will be extended through fiscal year 2013, and allow schools to expand services such as tutoring, counseling, collecting data on AAPI populations, outreaching to AAPI communities to encourage youth to pursue post-secondary education, and partnering with community-based organizations serving AAPI populations.Furthermore, federal agencies will be able to use the AAPISI designation to target grants and programs to AAPI students and communities. For example, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has provided millions of dollars in grants to MSIs under the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) designations so that they can expand their capacities to serve low-income and under-represented African- and Latino American students. With a similar designation, AAPISIs will be able to reap comparable benefits, which can further support low-income and underserved AAPI students and communities.
To monitor the implementation of H.R. 4137's provisions including the AAPISI program, please visit http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html#dcl.
Founded in 1996, the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) is a coalition of twenty-six nationwide Asian American interest organizations that advocate for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. ### To maintain consistency with past information and to prevent confusion among community affiliates, NCAPA will continue to use this shorten name instead of the longer “Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions.”
LEAP: The State of Asian America: Trajectory of Civic and Political Engagement
Please save the date for a limited series of roundtable discussions about the release of LEAP’s 5th public policy report: The State of Asian America: Trajectory of Civic and Political Engagement.
What: An engaging panel with writers to discuss findings from the report, discuss the issues, and Q&APanelists:
-Paul Ong, UC Los Angeles (editor)
-Taeku Lee, UC Berkeley
-Richard Hung, UMass Boston
-Yen Le Espiritu, UC San Diego
-Jerry Kang, UC Los Angeles
-Pei-te Lien, UC Santa Barbara
-Julie Park, UC Los Angeles
-Claire Jean Kim, UC Irvine
-Terry Ao, Asian American Justice Center
-Marlene Kim, UMass Boston
*Each roundtable will have 3-4 of the above writers present
Who: Anyone interested in learning more about the increasingly powerful voice of Asian American voters and the future possibilities of Asian American civic engagement in this nation
Where:
Washington, D.C. September 30
New York October 1
Boston October 2
Los Angeles October 7S
an Francisco October 8
Seattle October 9
Chicago October10
*Please call 213-485-1422 for more details on the event near you!
About the Report: Nationally renowned educators in the field of Asian American Studies have come together to put forth the possibilities for the future of Asian American civic engagement in America. Especially important to recognize in this color-conscious election year, the report touches on issues such as the civic participation of immigrants and Asian American college students, the role of the internet in increasing Asian American civic engagement, and how civic engagement might serve as a pathway to political party identification.
About LEAP:LEAP is a national organization founded in 1982 with a mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian Pacific Americans through leadership, empowerment, and policy. With original programs in leadership training, public policy research, and community education, LEAP raises the impact and visibility of Asian Pacific Americans in all sectors.
Buying the Book:Can’t make it to a roundtable? You can still order a copy of the book by calling 213-485-1422 or emailing leap@leap.org.
What: An engaging panel with writers to discuss findings from the report, discuss the issues, and Q&APanelists:
-Paul Ong, UC Los Angeles (editor)
-Taeku Lee, UC Berkeley
-Richard Hung, UMass Boston
-Yen Le Espiritu, UC San Diego
-Jerry Kang, UC Los Angeles
-Pei-te Lien, UC Santa Barbara
-Julie Park, UC Los Angeles
-Claire Jean Kim, UC Irvine
-Terry Ao, Asian American Justice Center
-Marlene Kim, UMass Boston
*Each roundtable will have 3-4 of the above writers present
Who: Anyone interested in learning more about the increasingly powerful voice of Asian American voters and the future possibilities of Asian American civic engagement in this nation
Where:
Washington, D.C. September 30
New York October 1
Boston October 2
Los Angeles October 7S
an Francisco October 8
Seattle October 9
Chicago October10
*Please call 213-485-1422 for more details on the event near you!
About the Report: Nationally renowned educators in the field of Asian American Studies have come together to put forth the possibilities for the future of Asian American civic engagement in America. Especially important to recognize in this color-conscious election year, the report touches on issues such as the civic participation of immigrants and Asian American college students, the role of the internet in increasing Asian American civic engagement, and how civic engagement might serve as a pathway to political party identification.
About LEAP:LEAP is a national organization founded in 1982 with a mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian Pacific Americans through leadership, empowerment, and policy. With original programs in leadership training, public policy research, and community education, LEAP raises the impact and visibility of Asian Pacific Americans in all sectors.
Buying the Book:Can’t make it to a roundtable? You can still order a copy of the book by calling 213-485-1422 or emailing leap@leap.org.
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