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Asian-American Identities

AIR DATE: Friday, April 25th 2008

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How is a sense of Asian-American community -- or communities -- being fostered in Oregon?

This weekend marks the opening of DisOrient, the third annual Asian American Film Festival in Eugene. On Saturday, the Asian Reporter is honoring the achievements of Asian-American students and community leaders from across Oregon at its annual banquet. And just around the corner is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, an annual celebration of (and reflection on) the Asian-American experience.

But the neat term "Asian-American" isn't nearly as cohesive as these events might imply. It encompasses an extremely wide range of individuals -- from people who moved to Oregon from Korea in the 1960s to third generation Japanese-Americans raised in the US to Chinese immigrants who arrived yesterday. Some people in the community embrace a pan-Asian identity. Others question it, arguing that it blurs historical and cultural differences in the search for a unified voice.

Is the term "Asian-American" a misleadingly broad label to refer to distinct groups and experiences? What are the benefits of a general label for a diverse group of people? What are the challenges? More broadly, how exactly is a sense of Asian-American community -- or communities -- being fostered in Oregon?

And where do you fit in? Do you consider yourself a member of Oregon's Asian-American community? Or do you use a hyphen to describe who you are, but with a different identifier at the beginning? How does that relate to your sense of community?

Tagged as: asian · asian-american · cambodian · chinese · community · korean · thai · vietnamese

It really wasn't until I began my liberal arts education that I actually thought about the concept of "identity" and my responsibility to different identities. I used to be type of person who was constantly trying to understand my multiple identities---Muslim, Pakistani, Indian, Kashmiri, American--were (and still are) all parts of me that I felt a duty to express. I even wrote my entire thesis on this. Looking back, I think this was just a healthy part of my education---multiple identities were like a tool that helped me understand myself and the world. I don't really think of myself as "Asian American" or "Muslim American" or "South Asian." Sure, these are all a part of me. But as cheezy as it sounds, I'm a human first--and sometimes I'll tap into one of these identities just to connect with someone who I feel connects with this part of me. Connections between humans are important.

A term like "Asian American" I suppose is relevant if a lot of people connect to it and if it brings people together. As a whole though, you do not see the type of unity within the "Asian American community" as you do with other minorities such as blacks or hispanics. I think this is largely because Asian Americans tend to be relatively affluent and comfortable. A lot of times what brings people together is shared suffering, a shared struggle. Asian-Americans seem to be lacking that in the conventional sense. The term might become more relevant if there is a threat to this entire community and they need to unite in order to protect themselves from it. They'll tap into that connection as a means of survival...that doesn't seem to be the case right now.

SophieQ — Thu April 24th 7:46p.m.

I'm curious about how the festival organizers chose the films they are presenting. Were there arguments over what specific kinds of issues to highlight? I can imagine that there is a big range in interests, hopes, fears and challenges driving people from such different parts of a big continent.

As a white person, it's a little hard for me to think of my Irish-Catholic and Jewish-Eastern-European ancestors as having much in common --- and I know the geographical and arguably cultural divide there is much smaller than between say, India and the Pacific Islands.

Also, are the festival organizers happy with the mix of submissions they got? Are there segments of the Asian-American community that have a big presence in Oregon but aren't a major part of the festival?

Dacre87 — Thu April 24th 8:17p.m.

Living in Bend, Oregon, I might as well be from Mars, let alone from a specific asian cultural ancestry. To people here, every Asian must be from Japan. They couldn't possibly be from down the street or even born in the US. I can't count the number of times when a passerby has asked me, "where are you from? no really? WHERE?". Upstate N.Y. isn't a good enough answer apparently. Somehow, I am obliged to explain my origins to perfect strangers that assume I'm fresh off the boat, even though I speak in english without any foreign accent and I wear clothing as american as anybody elses. As liberal as some parts of Oregon are, there are still areas where racist remarks are voiced without apology and "foreigners" are all the same. A complex term like "Asian-American" is completely lost here, especially the American part.

Joe K. — Thu April 24th 9:54p.m.

There was an opinion piece in the New York Times many years ago from an Asian-American that made a strong case that the Asian diaspora in America has more in commmon as Americans than they do as Asians. The "american" experience is very unique and something that I think I share with other immigrant groups and other minorities. Where there is no large or cohesive asian-american community, I find myself identifying with other non-white individuals that are essentially in the same position in a majority white environment. You sort of just look at each other and nod...there is a silent acknowledgment that as minorities way have to put up with the usual prejudice and ignorance...and racism. Although I count myself as an Asian-American, I would have to agree that the term is extremely vague, but definitely better than "chinaman", as I have still heard throughout my life. As much as I value my rich cultural heritage...sometimes I would prefer no label at all and just be accepted as American.

Eric C. — Fri April 25th 10:39a.m.

I'm a Portland born Hapa, a Hawai'ian term of origin generally meaning one who is part Asian.

I think of Pan Asian less as an "identity", and more as a movement building term. Indeed I see the powerful term of People of Color in the same respect, a way to recognize our interconnectedness based on broad common experiences. These are unique in America and Canada, with its intense history of White supremacy.

Pan Asian lifts up an understanding of colonialism, immigration, and yearnings for authentic belonging in a country that often perceives us a the perpetual foreigner.

In this country, with racial injustice still an institutional and cultural reality, we need language that brings us together. I feel included by Pan-Asian, but not bound by it.

revsantoslyons — Fri April 25th 11:55a.m.

I'm almost not sure what the question or dispute is. Are there alternatives to Asian-American that are being proposed? Is there something more accurate while still simple that we are advocating for?

scottmil — Fri April 25th 12:27p.m.

One of the biggest limitations is that East Indian Americans are not adequately described by this label. My wife (east Indian) and son (mixed)find themselves limited when asked to fill out such forms. The image that immediately comes to mind when clicking the Asian box is that of a Chinese person. This also brings up the ethnicity/geographical origin versus race question.

fatmidwesternwhiteguy — Fri April 25th 12:29p.m.

It's interesting that, in US, the default meaning of Asian is Far Eastern. In UK, its default meaning is South Asian (Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani). Asia's a big continent and there couldn't be a greater cultural difference than that between China and India.

lauren a — Fri April 25th 12:31p.m.

Responding to Sophie Q - It is problematic to minimize or segregate parts of who we are to the idea of "just being human". To do so feels disempowering to understanding and living the wholeness of ourselves.

I may not always be self-aware that I am a man, a husband, a father, a son, a young adult, an Asian-American, and so forth, but it is not something that I would just "tap into" from time to time.

Context is always important in this respect, being in White Oregon, I feel an extra need to develop my consciousness about who I am ethnically and culturally, in part for my survival and health!

revsantoslyons — Fri April 25th 12:32p.m.

Hello revsantoslyons.
I do not think emphasizing our humanity, what connects everyone, in any way minimizes our whole selves. Understanding and embracing our varied identities is an integral part to be being fully human. I think the problem is when we overemphasize one identity and fail to see ourselves in a bigger way--in a way that connects with people beyond our specific "identity."

I think you misunderstood what I said as far as "tapping into" a certain part of your identity. Different people bring out different parts of our selves. If I am with a group of Indians, I do not consciously think--I am with Indians, let me talk about all things Indian. The connection is organic, not strained, contrived, or strategic.

Of course context is important. I went to an all white university in the south--I was never as interested in my cultural and religious roots as I was then. I think this is natural when you are a minority and you want to ensure that certain parts of you do not wash out. It is "simply human" to care about ALL of yourself.
I realize this might sound esoteric and annoying...anyways much respecct for keeping it real in O!

SophieQ — Fri April 25th 3:04p.m.

I believe the term should be dropped from discourse completely. Asia refers to a well-defined geographic region, while the term "Asian-American" has all the flaws of any racial label. I have been told that Indian and Pakistani Americans do not qualify as Asian Americans. Is it because of skin color or epicanthic fold? Who knows.

Far better to use terms like Chinese American, Japanese American, Korean American, Vietnamese American, Indian American, or Pakistani American. These are well-defined geographic regions with diverse languages, cultures, and histories. More importantly, the historical experiences of people immigrating from these regions to America is far too diverse to attach a single label to them.

mspandit — Fri April 25th 12:33p.m.

Hi, the last caller identified an important issue that shouldn't be overlooked. There is quite a bit of racism between asian cultures and races and it's not exactly subtle. There are grudges left over from age-old conflicts, wars, occupations, and refugee migrations. The chinese are targets of hate in Indonesia. Chinese will speak disparagingly of vietnamese. Japanese consider themselves above the rest often. many cultures will cringe at being associated with another they consider to be inferior or having some sort of negative connotation. I have an African friend who bristles when he is mistaken for African-American rather than an African, in America.

Eric C. — Fri April 25th 12:36p.m.

I am an Indian immigrant and I sometimes wonder why we are frequently excluded from the Asian American definition. We are frequently referred to as East Indian which is incorrect (East Indians are from Bengal and Assam and would not include the rest of the country) - many of us are North Indians or South Indians. In the sum all people who originated from Asia should be referred to as Asian Americans and this definition should not be reserved for Japanese, Chinese and other East Asians only.

Thanks

Thuky0 — Fri April 25th 12:40p.m.

i have traveled and lived in many parts of the world and there is always a constant in me that stays the same although the places change or alter, that is being cambodian-american. when i settled in portland, oregon in 2006, it was a blessing to hear that portland includes asian-american or minority issues in major media venues, especially on public radio. 'crossing east' was the first radio program that led me to reach out to the cambodian identity in me when the cambodian-american community of oregon was mentioned as being a nonprofit in the portland area.

portland does foster ethnic community growth, unity, and empowerment through media and politician's awareness and portland should continue and increase its efforts.

just as science identifies plants and animals in many different class-order-family-genus, etc., i am happy to be identified as 'asian-american' and then broken down further into region, countries, etc. for me, asian-american, southeast asian - american, cambodian-american, buddhst-american, etc.

ayhtir — Fri April 25th 12:46p.m.

I am an active participant in the anime convention community. I've often wondered how people of Asian descent feel about the many white kids learning Japanese, taking on Japanese names (as I have), and endeavoring to act Japanese in as many ways as they can. Is this racist, or is it just seen as a grand appreciation of a fantastic culture?

Sakura — Fri April 25th 12:50p.m.

In Thailand we call everyone who speak Thai, Thai. "Foreigner" we use to call foreign visitors from other countries. No other "label". Americans need to view "others" who live here as Americans. Minorities needs to become true "American" to end this victim/sad soap opera/divided issue. Both need to work on becoming one: American. So enough of "Asian American" or "African American" or "European American (do we have THAT?).
My two sons grew up here. They have Thai cultures in them BUT I raised them as AMERICAN!
Nim Xuto

nimxuto — Fri April 25th 12:52p.m.

I feel like we have come to a point in the cultural development where race has become a blended reality because many families encompass many cultures. My family has Chinese American, South American, Jewish and pioneer~Oregon Trail~ Pacific Northwestern.

At holidays, our family spent time sharing our time together and we do not discuss ethnic identities and yet we all learned more about our cultures. We did not need terms to define ourselves.

And yet in smaller communities like Eugene, many people and especially children need terms like 'Asian American' so that they can define themselves. I can really identify with the statements made about 'feeling uncomfortable'.I am writing from Eugene, Oregon. I grew up here. I feel that events like the film festival in Eugene are still very important because our community here is still way too monoculutral. And children and individuals feel a great deal of pressure sometimes educating those unfamilar with their culture. It can be a lot of pressure to 'the only one' who must represent an entire cultural identity.

jakesuey — Fri April 25th 1:03p.m.

First let me express my appreciation and and admiration of the various Asian cultures that i have experienced and those that i have learned about. In fact, only yesterday i returned from a vacation in Cebu, Phillipnes.

i would like to forward my hope that the terms ____ American will begin to fade. i am an American of European and Mexican Descent. The America that i spent 20 years of my life defending is a place of beautiful cultural diversity, which i am glad to see we are finally beginning to celebrate. Our differences give spice to our nation, but our unity as Americans is our strength. Racial Labeling is form of the Racial Prejudice that has the potential to destroy this country. i hope that we will learn to be Americans first, while still acknowledging (and celebrating) the cultural background of our ancestors.

pakrat1963 — Fri April 25th 1:09p.m.

I generally try not to refer to people by race or nationality at all. And sometimes go to an absurd level not to. It just seems inappropriate most of the time, perhaps illogically. However, Asian-American is obviously a simple term to categorize people for practical purposes, even if it had a nefarious birth. Either we get rid of all terms to describe race or someone suggests another quick-reference term that is more appropriate.

I assume getting rid of all terms to describe race wouldn't be very effective nor does it make much sense. Obviously in certain circumstances we need the quick reference terms that describe race/nationalities, such as law enforcement, etc. Clearly, when you have a personal relationship with someone of a particular nationality you no longer use a broad term like Asian-American to describe them, but try to be more accurate---maybe using the country of origin.

scottmil — Fri April 25th 1:17p.m.

Visually I appear to be Asian-American, but like one of your callers, I was born in Jamaica and primarily identify as Jamaican because I am proud of my Jamaican heritage. However, as an American citizen, I now consider myself American with Jamaican roots. I believe the label "Asian-American" is useful only as a demographic tool for those who consider themselves born-Americans, but even then, this can be misleading as I am sure there are many others such as myself who may be demographically put into the Asian-American checkbox, but in reality don't identify as such. Since I was raised with neither Asian nor American culture, I find I don't fit neatly in either category or the one labeled "Asian-American." I find that when I tell people I am Jamaican, I can so the wheels turning as they comment that I don't look or sound Jamaican. I am more comfortable with other Jamaicans or open-minded Americans than I am with any other group.

As far as the cohesiveness or openness of Asian-American communities goes, I have found that Oregon's Asian-American community here is more accepting and open than other Asian-American communities found on the East coast and feel like I can explore the different cultures even if I still don't fit in.

Melanie K. — Fri April 25th 2:10p.m.

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