The news from last week that Asians are the most educated and have the highest income among ethnic groups would appear to be good news. Sure, we can take pride in our accomplishments in this country. But if the economy continues to sour and competition in getting to elite universities increases, will Asians be scapegoats for these problems? Asians had been called the new Jews before. Most believe that Jews are targeted for their faith but I believe that most of the time they are targets of discrimination because of envy. Rather than applauding the Jewish people for their successes, there are many people who believe there is something sinister about what the Jews had accomplished. So far Asians are not so dominant in businesses and other areas as the Jews are in this country. But it is worth noting that in places like Southeast Asia where the Chinese are dominant in wealth, there have been many incidences of violence against them.
I do not believe there is imminent trouble for Asian Americans yet. But last week was the 30th anniversary of the Vincent Chin case. Chin was killed by 2 lay off auto workers in Detroit because they thought he was Japanese. At that time there was fear that Japan was going to destroy the American auto industry. The question I have is: what happens if China continues to rise and Asian Americans continue to do better than the average Americans in education and wealth? I don't think America is southeast Asia or Germany. But Americans are human beings and humans have done violent acts throughout history. This is why Asian Americans should always be vigilant.
Monday, June 25, 2012
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The anniversary of the Vincent Chin murder brings back a lot of memories. I would assume that it may be easier to live in a largely populated area where Asians are a huge part of the population than it is where Asians are a small minority.
ReplyDeleteThe increase in Chinese students at universities in Michigan is a slight concern to me, because these students do not hesitate to show off their money. I believe that this can cause resentment among students who are not Chinese because we hear so much about China these days.
I don't know if it will get any better for Chinese people in this country because as long as the U.S. is in debt to China, we will hear politicians raise fears of the Chinese.
Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail.
-LBOAYM
I am not sure that it is easier to live in an area with a big Asian population. Sure, you would not be stared at when you walk into a restaurant for example as when we went to Hilton Head, SC. Asians also have more political power in places like San Francisco. But Asians are looked upon as more of a threat to dominate when they are a high percentage of the population. For example I am sure they are not too worried about the percentage of Asians at U of Michigan but they are worried about that at UCLA and Berkeley. Asians are over 40% in these two schools and probably should be higher if grades are scores are used exclusively. By these percentages you would think that Asians should be 40% of medical schools in California but it not close to that. Since Asians have higher scores and higher grades, why are they not represented at least the same percentage in medical schools as that of undergraduate student body?
ReplyDeleteI think Asians have to learn from the Jews and get more involved in politics and philanthropy. It is not enough to have the brightest kids go into sciences and math. Some need to go into political science and eventually run for political office.
Interesting viewpoint of Asians running for office. Do you think that Asians would have a hard time running for office in the Midwest vs. California or the West Coast?
ReplyDeleteTo me, there are still a lot of barriers to be broken. I love seeing more Asians in office, especially in Washington, but they will be scrutinized by everyone. I have been critical of Steven Chu for some of the comments he made to congress.
As far as philanthropy goes, I can just imagine a billionaire donating money to fund a new wing at a hospital and people trying to figure out what his/her end game is or that the Chinese are trying to take over our health care system! The horror!
-LBOAYM