chapter 6 asian americans

What is the definition of Asian Americans?

People with origins in the Asia Pacific region, including the Far East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent (Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam). Includes people not immediately perceived as Asian.

What is the significance of Angel Island?

It was the West Coast immigration station (1910-1940) that primarily processed Asian immigrants, especially Chinese. Unlike Ellis Island's welcome, Angel Island was a site of exclusion and discrimination with harsh interrogations, lengthy detentions due to the Chinese Exclusion Act, and poetry carved on walls by detained immigrants that remains as historical testimony.

What percentage of the U.S. population are Asian Americans?

7% of the U.S. population.

What are the largest Asian ancestry groups in the U.S.?

Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese—these comprise approximately 85% of Asian Americans.

What is the fastest-growing Asian group in the U.S.?

Indians—most arrive through employment-based channels.

Where are the largest Asian American populations geographically concentrated?

Major urban centers: Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and San Jose.

What percentage of adult Asians are foreign-born?

Nearly 70% of adult Asians are foreign-born.

What percentage of foreign-born Asians are undocumented?

Approximately 12%.

According to Dworkin & Dworkin, what are four ways Asians/Asian Americans are identifiable?

1. Greeting style (bowing, general politeness and quietness)

2. Language (accents, native languages)

3. Customary attire (e.g., Qipao, Hanfu, traditional clothing)

4. Skin color (particularly for South Asian)

What is the "bamboo ceiling"?

Invisible barriers that prevent Asian Americans from advancing to leadership positions in organizations.

What are four ways Asian Americans experience discrimination?

1. Caste-based discrimination (exists in U.S. companies; NOT covered under Title VII)

2. National origin discrimination (e.g., Thai farmworkers at Hawaii Del Monte facing exploitation)

3. COVID-19 racism (surge in hate crimes and harassment during pandemic)

4. Microaggressions ("Where are you from?" implying perpetual foreigner status)

What is caste-based discrimination and is it covered under Title VII?

Discrimination based on caste (e.g., Dalits in Indian communities). It is NOT covered under Title VII.

What happened to Thai farmworkers at Del Monte in Hawaii?

They faced national origin discrimination including production quotas, late/no pay, and confiscated passports.

Who was Yuri Kochiyama and what was her significance?

• Held in internment for 2 years during WWII → changed her view of America

• Worked closely with Malcolm X

• Instrumental in obtaining reparations for Japanese American internees

Who is Helen Zia and what is her contribution?

Worked toward fairness for Asian Americans since 1982; advocated following the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin; spoke out during COVID-19 pandemic.

What was the Vincent Chin case and its significance?

In 1982, Vincent Chin (Chinese American) was beaten to death by autoworkers who blamed Japan for auto industry woes. His killers received probation and fines, sparking the Asian American activist movement.

What did the National Origins Act of 1924 do?

Imposed immigration quotas based on national origin; severely restricted Asian immigration.

What did Executive Order 9066 (1942) authorize?

The internment of Japanese Americans during WWII

What did the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 do?

Authorized payments ($20K) to 66,000 surviving Japanese American internees and issued a formal apology.

What are Cox & Blake's six arguments for valuing diversity in organizations

1. Cost argument – Diverse organizations attract and retain talent better

2. Resource-acquisition argument – Good diversity reputations attract better employees

3. Marketing argument – Diverse teams understand diverse markets

4. Creativity argument – Diversity increases innovation

5. Problem-solving argument – Diverse perspectives lead to better decisions

6. System flexibility argument – Diverse organizations adapt more quickly to change

What is the "Model Minority" myth?

The stereotype that Asian Americans are universally successful, hardworking, educated, and wealthy, implying they face no discrimination and have "made it."

What are five negative effects of the Model Minority myth on Asian Americans?

1. Erases diversity – Ignores struggling subgroups (Laotian, Hmong, Cambodian refugees)

2. Denies discrimination – Suggests Asians don't experience racism → needs overlooked

3. Creates pressure – Unrealistic expectations to excel in academics/careers

4. Pits groups against each other – Used to criticize other minority groups

5. Masks mental health issues – Pressure to appear successful discourages help-seeking

How can the Model Minority myth be combated?

• Recognize diversity within Asian American communities

• Advocate for data disaggregation

• Support policies addressing needs of all subgroups

What is the labor force participation pattern among Asian Americans?

Asian men participate at higher rates than Asian women.

Describe the occupational distribution of Asian Americans.

Bimodal distribution:

• Those with higher education → managerial and professional specialty jobs

• Those with poor language skills/low education → lower-wage jobs

How do Asian American earnings compare to other groups?

Average earnings are higher than Whites and other ethnic groups. Average Asian American household income > average American household income.

Why is it important to look beyond average earnings for Asian Americans?

Averages mask wide variation among subgroups (e.g., Southeast Asian refugees vs. highly skilled Indian professionals).

What are common microaggressions directed at Asian Americans?

• "Where are you really from?"

• "Where were you born?"

• Compliments on English skills ("You speak so well!")

• Assumptions about math/science abilities

What is the "perpetual foreigner" stereotype?

The view that Asian Americans are seen as foreigners regardless of their citizenship or how long their families have been in the U.S.

How do Asian Americans respond to consumer discrimination?

Asians represent significant buying power and will use economic weight if treated unfairly. Companies engaging in discriminatory treatment risk boycotts and reputational damage.

What are Amerisians?

Child born of American servicemen and Asian women (especially from Vietnam, Japan, Korea)