for asian americans, it's as if we are an invisible group, it's always striking this balance of like where do I find myself and my identity as an asian american, we are literally taught not to speak up and not to rock the boat. Now is the time to be invisible no more. Mhm. Before 1968 the term asian american did not exist, inspired by the civil rights movement. Berkeley student activists, You keiichi Oka and Emma G coined the term to replace the derogatory term oriental and to unite people who immigrated from all of the 49 asian countries. Today, the month of May is known as asian american pacific islander heritage month or may also be known as asian american, native Hawaiian pacific islander month.
Clarified: Understanding Asian American identity
49 countries. 2,300 languages. 11 major religions. AANHPI is not a monolith.
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Updated: 4:20 PM EDT Jun 6, 2022
Project CommUNITY is an ongoing initiative across Hearst Television to put a spotlight on diverse voices in our communities. The initiative is built around regular coverage of people who are working to make a difference and stories detailing the history of the battle for Civil Rights, inclusion and social change across America.Before 1968, the term Asian American did not exist. Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, Berkley student activists Yuji Ichioka and Emma Gee coined the term to replace the derogatory term "oriental" and to unite people who immigrated from all of the 49 Asian countries.According to Pew Research, the Asian population increased 81%, from 10.5 million in 2000 to 18.9 million in 2019. However, Asian American subgroups are combined in statistics, eliminating their individual identities such as language, culture, origin, socioeconomic class, and religion."It's important to remember that that's not all that we are. That we are in fact so much more. That we are the cultures that we bring. We are the political power that we bring. We are the families and the elders that we bring," said Pakou Her.According to Pew Research, only 57% of foreign-born Asians speak English proficiently. This discrepancy in English speakers can skew research. For instance, Asians who are not proficient in English or Spanish generally cannot participate in surveys. Therefore making it hard for statistics to get an accurate representation of income, education, and views on social issues.On May 28, 2021, the Executive Order on Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders was signed to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AANHPI communities in these key ways:Expanding language access and language assistance programs for AA and NHPI individuals across federal programs.Strengthening economic security and opportunity for AA and NHPI. communities by empowering AA and NHPI entrepreneurs, building new workforce training opportunities, and promoting workplaces that are free from harassment against AA and NHPI workers.Addressing the concentration of poverty experienced in many AA and NHPI communities.In this episode of "Clarified," we meet members of the Asian American community who challenge the stereotype that the Asian identity is a monolith in their everyday lives. This video is the fourth of a four-part series by "Clarified" featured during Asian American, National Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month to educate viewers on the contributions, experiences and heroes of the Asian American community.
Project CommUNITY is an ongoing initiative across Hearst Television to put a spotlight on diverse voices in our communities. The initiative is built around regular coverage of people who are working to make a difference and stories detailing the history of the battle for Civil Rights, inclusion and social change across America.
Before 1968, the term Asian American did not exist. Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, Berkley student activists Yuji Ichioka and Emma Gee coined the term to replace the derogatory term "oriental" and to unite people who immigrated from all of the 49 Asian countries.
According to Pew Research, the Asian population increased 81%, from 10.5 million in 2000 to 18.9 million in 2019.
However, Asian American subgroups are combined in statistics, eliminating their individual identities such as language, culture, origin, socioeconomic class, and religion.
"It's important to remember that that's not all that we are. That we are in fact so much more. That we are the cultures that we bring. We are the political power that we bring. We are the families and the elders that we bring," said Pakou Her.
According to Pew Research, only 57% of foreign-born Asians speak English proficiently. This discrepancy in English speakers can skew research. For instance, Asians who are not proficient in English or Spanish generally cannot participate in surveys. Therefore making it hard for statistics to get an accurate representation of income, education, and views on social issues.
On May 28, 2021, the Executive Order on Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders was signed to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AANHPI communities in these key ways:
- Expanding language access and language assistance programs for AA and NHPI individuals across federal programs.
- Strengthening economic security and opportunity for AA and NHPI. communities by empowering AA and NHPI entrepreneurs, building new workforce training opportunities, and promoting workplaces that are free from harassment against AA and NHPI workers.
- Addressing the concentration of poverty experienced in many AA and NHPI communities.
In this episode of "Clarified," we meet members of the Asian American community who challenge the stereotype that the Asian identity is a monolith in their everyday lives.
This video is the fourth of a four-part series by "Clarified" featured during Asian American, National Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month to educate viewers on the contributions, experiences and heroes of the Asian American community.
