Checking Southeast Asian American Realities in Pan-Asian American Agendas
Author(s):
Kiang, Peter Nien-chu
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Aapi Nexus, Volume 2, Issue 1 (2004-01). pp. 49-76.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This article is based on a briefing paper commissioned by the Harvard Civil Rights Project for a Roundtable on Emerging Asian American Civil Rights Issues held in Cambridge, MA, in October 2002. I was asked to address whether subgroups within the Asian American population have been adequately served by pan-Asian American agendas, particularly in relation to civil rights advocacy, & to highlight specific instances that show both positive & negative dimensions of those dynamics. In response, I chose to focus on Southeast Asian American (Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, Mien, Vietnamese, etc.) populations who, by measures of socioeconomic status, persistent poverty, & quality of life, are the most poorly resourced ethnic constituencies within Asian America. Through analysis of issues related to educational equity, policy, & development, both nationally & locally in the state of Massachusetts, I describe ways in which Southeast Asian American realities have been neglected or ignored. In light of the ethical & empirical consequences of failing to intervene proactively in this long-term dynamic of inequality, I also show how some modest local & national commitments have had sustained impact. Finally, I suggest some ways to account more faithfully for the needs, interests, & visions of Southeast Asian American communities in the development of pan-Asian American civil rights agendas. Underlying my argument are commitments to equity & justice rather than identity & representation per se.