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WILLIAM WONG |
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Brief Biography : |
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Public Lecture Topics: The role of Asian Americans in California politics Asian Americans have had full citizenship rights for only two generations. Once statistically significant, Asian Americans are about 12 percent of California, and they yearn for political legitimacy. They are contributing to political campaigns and running for offices in unprecedented numbers. Whether they will become a significant block vote, however, is open to question. A majority of California Asian Americans voted for Matt Fong, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, but he lost, meaning their votes made little difference. More Asian immigrants need to become U.S. citizens. As they do, they will become important swing votes in local races. The growth and diversity of the Asian American community, especially in California The Asian American community has grown dramatically over the past 30 years. It is about 12 percent of California today, the third largest racial group behind whites and Latinos. It is also highly diverse in terms of cultural roots, languages, traditions, and American historical experiences. Few issues unite this community but some÷affirmative action, racial and ethnic bigotry, media portrayals÷affect many Asian Americans. Because two thirds of the Asian American population is foreign born, the community faces tremendous cultural adjustment barriers. But many Asian Americans are significant economic and cultural contributors to California and American society. Media coverage and portrayal of Asian Americans Media stereotypes of Asian Americans are practically American icons÷the exotic Suzie Wong, the inscrutable Charlie Chan, the menacing Fu Manchu. Historically, news coverage has focused on Chinese prostitutes; pony-tailed, cleaver-wielding tong warriors; or obsequious houseboys. As the Asian American population has grown, some stereotypes have faded÷and given way to modern versions: the kung-fu fighting gangster, coquettish sex kittens. Ordinary Asian Americans still don't find a place in the mass media, despite the perception they are a "model minority". Some Asian and Asian Americans are getting more opportunities, and Asian American women are a ubiquitous TV-news presence. Asian Americans and affirmative action To some Americans, Asian Americans are a "model minority"÷without significant problems. In truth, Asian Americans were victims of racist discrimination until after World War II. With few overt barriers left, Asian Americans are in many fields of endeavor. But some still continue to lose opportunities through subtle "glass ceilings" that block their progress despite hard work and excellent credentials. At some elite universities and schools, Asian Americans are a larger percentage of enrollment than they are of the population as a whole. It is in the area of educational affirmative action that Asian Americans are divided. The role of Asian Americans in California's changing multicultural landscape Asian Americans are either visibly invisible or invisibly visible in California's changing multicultural landscape. They are most numerous in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. They are a visible presence on University of California campuses, but barely visible in Hollywood movie and TV productions. Some were victims in the 1992 Los Angeles riots, but hardly anyone took notice. They are sometimes paired with whites in certain political and social analysis and sometimes allied with Latinos (and occasionally blacks) in other scenarios. Sometimes slotted as go-betweens, Asian Americans just as often fall through the cracks. |
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William Wong has been listed in the Directory of California Thinkers since 28-Apr-1999. |
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