Reflection of Asian Pacific Americans’ Social Movements and Interest Groups

Jiayan Lu

Section 2

Week 1

The article Asian Pacific Americans’ Social Movements and Interest Groups states how Asian Americans have been suffering and fighting for discrimination, inequality since 150 years ago. Although Asian Americans are very different in language, religion, ideology, they are from or related to Asia, so the term “panethnicity” is coined and imposed on the group of Asian Americans. Due to historic reasons and background, like immigration, naturalization and racial hierarchy, Asian Americans suffer persecution, inequality and discrimination, and also share common interests, they stand together and fight for their rights. As a result, Asian Americans have achieved one goal after another by the coalition between different groups. Recall the history, Asian Americans were unable to vote before World War II, but nowadays, more and more Asian Americans have been working in important government positions. The change is significant to all areas relating Asian Americans. This tells us how panethinicity is important and valuable when we, the minority, stand together fight for our rights. However, is the battle finished? No, not at all, we are still on the way fighting for the rights.

Question: Are Asian Americans treated equally as other races while working, getting education and in political issues today?