Introduction
Desk of Contents
Desk of Contents
Desk of Contents
Desk of Contents
No single expertise defines what it means to be Asian in the US at present. As a substitute, Asian People’ lived experiences are partly formed by the place they have been born, how related they’re to their household’s ethnic origins, and the way others – each Asians and non-Asians – see and have interaction with them of their day by day lives. But regardless of various experiences, backgrounds and origins, shared experiences and customary themes emerged after we requested: “What does it imply to be Asian in America?”
Within the fall of 2021, Pew Analysis Heart undertook the most important focus group research it had ever performed – 66 focus teams with 264 complete individuals – to listen to Asian People discuss their lived experiences in America. The main target teams have been organized into 18 distinct Asian ethnic origin teams, fielded in 18 languages and moderated by members of their very own ethnic teams. Due to the pandemic, the main target teams have been performed nearly, permitting us to recruit individuals from all components of the US. This strategy allowed us to listen to a various set of voices – particularly from much less populous Asian ethnic teams whose views, attitudes and opinions are seldom offered in conventional polling. The strategy additionally allowed us to discover the explanations behind individuals’s opinions and selections about what it means to belong in America, past the preset response choices of a conventional survey.
The phrases “Asian,” “Asians residing in the US” and “Asian American” are used interchangeably all through this essay to check with U.S. adults who self-identify as Asian, both alone or together with different races or Hispanic identification.
“America” and “the U.S.” are used interchangeably with “America” for variations within the writing.
Multiracial individuals are those that point out they’re of two or extra racial backgrounds (certainly one of which is Asian). Multiethnic individuals are those that point out they’re of two or extra ethnicities, together with these recognized as Asian with Hispanic background.
U.S. born refers to individuals born within the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or different U.S. territories.
Immigrant refers to individuals who weren’t U.S. residents at delivery – in different phrases, these born exterior the U.S., Puerto Rico or different U.S. territories to oldsters who weren’t U.S. residents. The phrases “immigrant,” “first technology” and “international born” are used interchangeably on this report.
Second technology refers to individuals born within the 50 states or the District of Columbia with at the very least one first-generation, or immigrant, mother or father.
In regards to the time period ‘Asian American’
The pan-ethnic time period “Asian American” describes the inhabitants of about 22 million individuals residing in the US who hint their roots to greater than 20 nations in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The time period was popularized by U.S. pupil activists within the Nineteen Sixties and was finally adopted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Nevertheless, the “Asian” label masks the various demographics and broad financial disparities throughout the most important nationwide origin teams (resembling Chinese language, Indian, Filipino) and the much less populous ones (resembling Bhutanese, Hmong and Nepalese) residing in America. It additionally hides the various circumstances of teams immigrated to the U.S. and the way they began their lives there. The inhabitants’s range usually presents challenges. Standard survey strategies usually replicate the voices of bigger teams with out totally capturing the broad vary of views, attitudes, life beginning factors and views skilled by Asian People. They will additionally restrict understanding of the shared experiences throughout this various inhabitants.
Throughout all focus teams, some frequent findings emerged. Contributors highlighted how the pan-ethnic “Asian” label used within the U.S. represented just one a part of how they consider themselves. For instance, not too long ago arrived Asian immigrant individuals advised us they’re drawn extra to their ethnic identification than to the extra basic, U.S.-created pan-ethnic Asian American identification. In the meantime, U.S.-born Asian individuals shared how they recognized, at instances, as Asian but in addition, at different instances, by their ethnic origin and as People.
One other frequent discovering amongst focus group individuals is the disconnect they famous between how they see themselves and the way others view them. Typically this led to maltreatment of them or their households, particularly at heightened moments in American historical past resembling throughout Japanese incarceration throughout World Battle II, the aftermath of 9/11 and, extra not too long ago, the COVID-19 pandemic. Past these particular moments, many within the focus teams supplied their very own experiences that had revealed different individuals’s assumptions or misconceptions about their identification.
One other shared discovering is the a number of methods by which individuals take and categorical pleasure of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds whereas additionally feeling at dwelling in America, celebrating and mixing their distinctive cultural traditions and practices with these of different People.
This focus group undertaking is a part of a broader analysis agenda about Asians residing in the US. The findings offered right here supply a small glimpse of what individuals advised us, in their very own phrases, about how they establish themselves, how others see and deal with them, and extra usually, what it means to be Asian in America.
Illustrations by Jing Li
Publications from the Being Asian in America undertaking
That is how I view my identification
One of many matters coated in every focus group was how individuals seen their very own racial or ethnic identification. Moderators requested them how they seen themselves, and what experiences knowledgeable their views about their identification. These discussions not solely highlighted variations in how individuals thought of their very own racial or ethnic background, however in addition they revealed how totally different settings can affect how they might select to establish themselves. Throughout all focus teams, the overall theme emerged that being Asian was just one a part of how individuals seen themselves.
The pan-ethnic label ‘Asian’ is usually used extra in formal settings
Many individuals described an advanced relationship with the pan-ethnic labels “Asian” or “Asian American.” For some, utilizing the time period was much less of an lively selection and extra of an imposed one, with individuals discussing the disconnect between how they want to establish themselves and the out there selections usually present in formal settings. For instance, an immigrant Pakistani lady remarked how she usually sees “Asian American” on varieties, however no more particular choices. Equally, an immigrant Burmese lady described her expertise of making use of for jobs and having to establish as “Asian,” versus figuring out by her ethnic background, as a result of no different choices have been out there. These experiences spotlight the challenges organizations like authorities businesses and employers have in creating surveys or varieties that ask respondents about their identification. A standard sentiment is one like this:
“I suppose … I really feel like I simply type of test off ‘Asian’ [for] an utility or the check varieties. That’s the one time I might establish as Asian. However Asian is just too broad. Asia is an enormous continent. Yeah, I really feel prefer it’s simply too broad. To specify issues, you’re Taiwanese American, that’s precisely the place you got here from.”
–U.S.-born lady of Taiwanese origin in early 20s
Smaller ethnic teams default to ‘Asian’ since their teams are much less recognizable
Different individuals shared how their experiences in explaining the geographic location and tradition of their origin nation led them to choose “Asian” when speaking about themselves with others. This theme was particularly outstanding amongst these belonging to smaller origin teams resembling Bangladeshis and Bhutanese. A Lao participant remarked she would initially say “Asian American” as a result of individuals won’t be conversant in “Lao.”
“[When I fill out] varieties, I choose ‘Asian American,’ and that’s why I take into account myself as an Asian American. [It is difficult to identify as] Nepali American [since] there are not any such choices in varieties. That’s why, Asian American is ok to me.”
–Immigrant lady of Nepalese origin in late 20s
“Coming to an enormous nation like [the United States], when individuals ask the place we’re from … there are some individuals who do not know about Bhutan, so we find yourself introducing ourselves as being Asian.”
–Immigrant lady of Bhutanese origin in late 40s
However for a lot of, ‘Asian’ as a label or identification simply doesn’t match
Many individuals felt that neither “Asian” nor “Asian American” actually captures how they view themselves and their identification. They argue that these labels are too broad or too ambiguous, as there are such a lot of totally different teams included inside these labels. For instance, a U.S.-born Pakistani man remarked on how “Asian” lumps many teams collectively – that the time period just isn’t restricted to South Asian teams resembling Indian and Pakistani, but in addition consists of East Asian teams. Equally, an immigrant Nepalese man described how “Asian” usually means Chinese language for a lot of People. A Filipino lady summed it up this manner:
“Now I take into account myself to be each Filipino and Asian American, however rising up in [Southern California] … I didn’t begin to establish as Asian American till school as a result of in [the Los Angeles suburb where I lived], it’s an enormous mixture of the whole lot – Black, Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian … after I would go into areas the place there have been loads of different Asians, particularly East Asians, I didn’t really feel like I belonged. … In media, proper, like individuals nonetheless affiliate Asian with being East Asian.”
–U.S.-born lady of Filipino origin in mid-20s
Contributors additionally famous they’ve encountered confusion or the tendency for others to view Asian People as individuals from principally East Asian nations, resembling China, Japan and Korea. For some, this confusion even extends to interactions with different Asian American teams. A Pakistani man remarked on how he not often finds Pakistani or Indian manufacturers when he visits Asian shops. As a substitute, he recalled principally discovering Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese language objects.
Amongst individuals of South Asian descent, some recognized with the label “South Asian” extra than simply “Asian.” There have been different nuances, too, in the case of the labels individuals select. Some Indian individuals, for instance, stated individuals generally group them with Native People who’re additionally known as Indians in the US. This Indian lady shared her expertise at college:
“I really like South Asian or ‘Desi’ solely as a result of up till not too long ago … it’s pretty new to say South Asian. I’ve all the time stated ‘Desi’ as a result of rising up … I’ve needed to say I’m the crimson dot Indian, not the feather Indian. So annoying, you realize? … All the time a distinction that I’ve needed to make.”
–U.S.-born lady of Indian origin in late 20s
Contributors with multiethnic or multiracial backgrounds described their very own distinctive experiences with their identification. Slightly than selecting one racial or ethnic group over the opposite, some individuals described figuring out with each teams, since this extra precisely describes how they see themselves. In some instances, this selection mirrored the historical past of the Asian diaspora. For instance, an immigrant Cambodian man described being each Khmer/Cambodian and Chinese language, since his grandparents got here from China. Another individuals recalled going by means of an “identification disaster” as they navigated between a number of identities. As one lady defined:
“I might say I went by means of an identification disaster. … It’s due to being multicultural. … There’s additionally French within the combine inside my household, too. As a result of I don’t establish, communicate or perceive the language, I actually can’t connect with the French roots … I’m in between like Cambodian and Thai, after which Chinese language after which French … I lastly lumped it up. I’m simply an Asian American and happy with all my roots.”
–U.S.-born lady of Cambodian origin in mid-30s
In different instances, the selection mirrored U.S. patterns of intermarriage. Asian newlyweds have the best intermarriage charge of any racial or ethnic group within the nation. One Japanese-origin man with Hispanic roots famous:
“So I want to see myself as a Hispanic Asian American. I wish to say Hispanic first as a result of I’ve extra of my mother’s tradition in me than my dad’s tradition. Actually, I even have extra American tradition than my dad’s tradition for what I do usually. So I suppose, Hispanic American Asian.”
–U.S.-born man of Hispanic and Japanese origin in early 40s
Different identities past race or ethnicity are additionally necessary
Focus group individuals additionally talked about their identification past the racial or ethnic dimension. For instance, one Chinese language lady famous that the perfect time period to explain her could be “immigrant.” Religion and spiritual ties have been additionally necessary to some. One immigrant participant talked about his love of Pakistani values and the way faith is intermingled into Pakistani tradition. One other lady defined:
“[Japanese language and culture] are crucial to me and ingrained in me as a result of they have been all the time a part of my life, and I felt them after I was rising up. Even the phrase itadakimasu displays Japanese tradition or the custom. Shinto faith is part of the tradition. They’re a part of my identification, and they’re crucial to me.”
–Immigrant lady of Japanese origin in mid-30s
For some, gender is one other necessary facet of identification. One Korean participant emphasised that being a lady is a crucial a part of her identification. For others, sexual orientation is a vital a part of their total identification. One U.S.-born Filipino participant described herself as “queer Asian American.” One other participant put it this manner:
“I belong to the [LGBTQ] neighborhood … earlier than, what we solely know is homosexual and lesbian. We don’t learn about being queer, nonbinary. [Here], my horizon of figuring out what genders and gender roles can also be expanded … within the Philippines, in the event you’ll be with identical intercourse, you’re thought of homosexual or lesbian. However right here … what’s occurring is so broad, on the way you establish your self.”
–Immigrant lady of Filipino origin in early 20s
Immigrant identification is tied to their ethnic heritage
Contributors born exterior the US tended to hyperlink their identification with their ethnic heritage. Some felt strongly related with their ethnic ties as a result of their citizenship standing. For others, the shortage of everlasting residency or citizenship meant they’ve stronger ties to their ethnicity and birthplace. And in some instances, individuals stated they held on to their ethnic identification even after they turned U.S. residents. One lady emphasised that she is going to all the time be Taiwanese as a result of she was born there, regardless of now residing within the U.S.
For different individuals, household origin performed a central position of their identification, no matter their standing within the U.S. Based on a few of them, this angle was closely influenced by their recollections and experiences in early childhood after they have been nonetheless residing of their nations of origin. These influences are so profound that even after many years of residing within the U.S., some nonetheless really feel the robust connection to their ethnic roots. And people with U.S.-born youngsters talked about sending their youngsters to particular instructional applications within the U.S. to find out about their ethnic heritage.
“Sure, as for me, I maintain that I’m Khmer as a result of our nationality can’t be deleted, our identification is Khmer as I maintain that I’m Khmer … so I attempt, even [with] my youngsters at present, I attempt to study Khmer by means of Zoom by means of the so-called Khmer Father or mother Affiliation.”
–Immigrant man of Cambodian origin in late 50s
Navigating life in America is an adjustment
Many individuals pointed to cultural variations they’ve seen between their ethnic tradition and U.S. tradition. Probably the most distinct variations is in meals. For some individuals, their robust attachment to the distinctive dishes of their households and their nations of origin helps them keep robust ties to their ethnic identification. One Sri Lankan participant shared that her roots are nonetheless in Sri Lanka, since she nonetheless follows Sri Lankan traditions within the U.S. resembling getting ready kiribath (rice with coconut milk) and celebrating Ramadan.
For different individuals, interactions in social settings with these exterior their very own ethnic group circles highlighted cultural variations. One Bangladeshi lady talked about how Bengalis share private tales and challenges with one another, whereas others within the U.S. prefer to have “small discuss” about TV collection or garments.
Many immigrants within the focus teams have discovered it’s simpler to socialize when they’re round others belonging to their ethnicity. When interacting with others who don’t share the identical ethnicity, individuals famous they should be extra self-aware about cultural variations to keep away from making errors in social interactions. Right here, individuals described the significance of studying to “slot in,” to keep away from feeling omitted or excluded. One Korean lady stated:
“Each time I am going to a celebration, I really feel unwelcome. … In Korea, after I invite visitors to my home and one individual sits with out speaking, I come over and discuss and deal with them as a number. However in the US, I’ve to go and mingle. I hate mingling a lot. I’ve to speak and hold going by means of unimportant tales. In Korea, I’m assigned to a dinner or gathering. I’ve a celebration with a way of safety. In America, I’ve nowhere to sit down, and I don’t know the place to go and who to speak to.”
–Immigrant lady of Korean origin in mid-40s
And a Bhutanese immigrant defined:
“In my case, I’m not an American. I take into account myself a Bhutanese. … I’m a Bhutanese as a result of I have no idea American tradition to think about myself as an American. It is vitally obscure the humorousness in America. So, we’re pure Bhutanese in America.”
–Immigrant man of Bhutanese origin in early 40s
Language was additionally a key facet of identification for the individuals. Many immigrants within the focus teams stated they communicate a language apart from English at dwelling and of their day by day lives. One Vietnamese man thought of himself Vietnamese since his Vietnamese is healthier than his English. Others emphasised their English expertise. A Bangladeshi participant felt that she was extra accepted within the office when she does extra “American” issues and speaks fluent English, fairly than sharing issues from Bangladeshi tradition. She felt that others in her office correlate her English fluency together with her means to do her job. For others born within the U.S., the language they communicate at dwelling influences their connection to their ethnic roots.
“Now if I am going to my work and do present my Bengali tradition and Asian tradition, they don’t seem to be going to take something out of it. So, principally, I’ve to point out one thing that they’re concerned about. I’ve to point out that I’m American, [that] I can communicate English fluently. I can do no matter you give me as a duty. So, in these instances I can’t present something about my tradition.”
–Immigrant lady of Bangladeshi origin in late 20s
“Being bi-ethnic and tri-cultural creates so many distinctive dynamics, and … one of many dynamics has to do with … what it’s to be Americanized. … One of many issues that performed a task into how I affiliate the identification is language. Now, my father by no means spoke Spanish to me … as a result of he needed me to develop a fluency in English, as a result of for him, he struggled with English. What occurred was three out of the 4 those that raised me have been Khmer … they spoke to me in Khmer. We’d eat breakfast, lunch and dinner talking Khmer. We’d go to the temple in Khmer with the language and we’d additionally watch movies and films in Khmer. … Wanting into why I strongly establish with the heritage, one of many causes is [that] talking that language connects to the house I used to have [as my families have passed away].”
–U.S.-born man of Cambodian origin in early 30s
Balancing between individualistic and collective considering
For some immigrant individuals, the principle variations between themselves and others who’re seen as “actually American” have been much less about cultural variations, or how individuals behave, and extra about variations in “mindset,” or how individuals suppose. Those that recognized strongly with their ethnicity mentioned how their mind-set is totally different from a “typical American.” To some, the “American mentality” is extra individualistic, with much less judgment on what one ought to do or how they ought to act. One immigrant Japanese man, for instance, talked about how different Japanese-origin co-workers within the U.S. would work with out taking breaks as a result of it’s culturally thoughtless to take a break whereas others continued working. Nevertheless, he would communicate up for himself and different employees when they don’t seem to be taking any work breaks. He attributed this to his “American” mind-set, which inspires individuals to face up for themselves.
Some U.S.-born individuals who grew up in an immigrant household described the cultural clashes that occurred between themselves and their immigrant mother and father. Contributors talked about how the second technology (youngsters of immigrant mother and father) struggles to pursue their very own goals whereas nonetheless residing as much as the standard expectations of their immigrant mother and father.
“I really feel like one of many greatest issues I’ve seen, similar to [my] Asian American mates total, is the type of family-individualistic conflict … like eager to do your individual factor is like, is type of instilled in you as an American, like go and … observe your dream. However then you definitely simply develop up with such a way of like additionally eager to be there for your loved ones and to reside as much as these expectations, and I really feel like that’s one thing that’s very pronounced in Asian cultures.”
–U.S.-born man of Indian origin in mid-20s
Discussions additionally highlighted variations about gender roles between rising up in America in contrast with elsewhere.
“As a lady or being a woman, due to your gender, you must hold your mouth shut [and] wait in order that they name on you so that you can communicate up. … I do respect our elders and I do respect listening to their steering however I additionally need them to study to listen to from the youthful individual … as a result of now we have issues to share that they may not know and that [are] necessary … so I prefer to problem gender roles or conventional roles as a result of it’s one thing that [because] I used to be born and raised right here [in America], I study that all of us have the equal rights to have the ability to communicate and share our ideas and concepts.”
–U.S.-born lady of Cambodian origin in mid-30s
U.S. born have blended ties to their household’s heritage
How U.S.-born individuals establish themselves will depend on their familiarity with their very own heritage, whom they’re speaking with, the place they’re when requested about their identification and what the reply is used for. Some talked about that they’ve stronger ethnic ties as a result of they’re very conversant in their household’s ethnic heritage. Others talked about how their consuming habits and most well-liked dishes made them really feel nearer to their ethnic identification. For instance, one Korean participant shared his journey of getting nearer to his Korean heritage due to Korean meals and customs. When some individuals shared their causes for feeling nearer to their ethnic identification, in addition they expressed a powerful sense of pleasure with their distinctive cultural and ethnic heritage.
“I positively take into account myself Japanese American. I imply I’m Japanese and American. Actually, ever since I’ve grown up, I’ve actually admired Japanese tradition. I grew up watching loads of anime and Japanese black and white movies. Simply studying about [it], I might hear about Japanese stuff from my grandparents … myself, and my household having blended Japanese tradition and American tradition collectively.”
–U.S.-born man of Japanese origin in late 20s
In the meantime, individuals who weren’t conversant in their household’s heritage confirmed much less reference to their ethnic ties. One U.S.-born lady stated she has a tough time calling herself Cambodian, as she is “not near the Cambodian neighborhood.” Contributors with stronger ethnic ties talked about regarding their particular ethnic group greater than the broader Asian group. One other lady famous that being Vietnamese is “extra particular and distinctive than simply being Asian” and stated that she didn’t really feel she belonged with different Asians. Some individuals additionally disliked being seen as or referred to as “Asian,” partly as a result of they wish to distinguish themselves from different Asian teams. For instance, one Taiwanese lady introduces herself as Taiwanese when she will, as a result of she had regularly been seen as Chinese language.
Some within the focus teams described how their views of their very own identities shifted as they grew older. For instance, some U.S.-born and immigrant individuals who got here to the U.S. at youthful ages described how their experiences in highschool and the necessity to “slot in” have been necessary in shaping their very own identities. A Chinese language lady put it this manner:
“So principally, all I do know is that I used to be born in the US. Once more, after I got here again, I didn’t really feel any barrier with my different mates who’re White or Black. … Then I acquired a bit confused in highschool after I had bother self-identifying if I’m Asian, Chinese language American, like who am I. … Ought to I utterly immerse myself within the American tradition? Ought to I additionally hold my Chinese language identification and stuff like that? So yeah, that was like the center of that mist. Now, I’m fairly clear about myself. I believe I’m Chinese language American, Asian American, no matter individuals need.”
–U.S.-born lady of Chinese language origin in early 20s
Id is influenced by birthplace
When speaking about what it means to be “American,” individuals supplied their very own definitions. For some, “American” is related to buying a definite identification alongside their ethnic or racial backgrounds, fairly than changing them. One Indian participant put it this manner:
“I might additionally say [that I am] Indian American simply because I discover myself all the time bouncing between the 2 … it’s not even like twin identification, it simply is one complete identification for me, like there’s not this separation. … I’m doing [both] Indian issues [and] American issues. … They use that time period like ABCD … ‘American Born Confused Desi’ … I don’t really feel that approach anymore, though there are these moments … however I might say [that I am] Indian American for positive.”
–U.S.-born lady of Indian origin in early 30s
In the meantime, some U.S.-born individuals view being American as central to their identification whereas additionally valuing the tradition of their household’s heritage.
Many immigrant individuals related the time period “American” with immigration standing or citizenship. One Taiwanese lady stated she will’t name herself American since she doesn’t have a U.S. passport. Notably, U.S. citizenship is a crucial milestone for a lot of immigrant individuals, giving them a stronger sense of belonging and in the end calling themselves American. A Bangladeshi participant shared that she hasn’t acquired U.S. citizenship but, and she or he would name herself American after she receives her U.S. passport.
Different individuals gave a good narrower definition, saying solely these born and raised in the US are actually American. One Taiwanese lady talked about that her son could be American since he was born, raised and educated within the U.S. She added that whereas she has U.S. citizenship, she didn’t take into account herself American since she didn’t develop up within the U.S. This narrower definition has implications for belonging. Some immigrants within the teams stated they may by no means change into actually American because the approach they categorical themselves is so totally different from those that have been born and raised within the U.S. A Japanese lady identified that Japanese individuals “are nonetheless very intimidated by authorities,” whereas these born and raised in America give their opinions with out hesitation.
“As quickly as I arrived, I referred to as myself a Burmese immigrant. I had a inexperienced card, however I nonetheless wasn’t an American citizen. … Now I’ve change into a U.S. citizen, so now I’m a Burmese American.”
–Immigrant man of Burmese origin in mid-30s
“Since I used to be born … and raised right here, I type of all the time view myself as American first who simply occurred to be Asian or Chinese language. So I truly don’t just like the time period Chinese language American or Asian American. I’m American Asian or American Chinese language. I view myself as American first.”
–U.S.-born man of Chinese language origin in early 60s
“[I used to think of myself as] Filipino, however not too long ago I began saying ‘Filipino American’ as a result of I acquired [U.S.] citizenship. And it simply sounds bizarre to say Filipino American, however I’m attempting to … I wish to settle for it. I really feel prefer it’s now marry-able to my identification.”
–Immigrant lady of Filipino origin in early 30s
For others, American identification is concerning the means of ‘changing into’ culturally American
Immigrant individuals additionally emphasised how their experiences and time residing in America inform their views of being an “American.” Because of this, some began to see themselves as People after spending greater than a decade within the U.S. One Taiwanese man thought of himself an American since he is aware of extra concerning the U.S. than Taiwan after residing within the U.S. for over 52 years.
However for different immigrant individuals, the method of “changing into” American just isn’t about how lengthy they’ve lived within the U.S., however fairly how acquainted they’re with American tradition and their means to talk English with little to no accent. That is very true for these whose first language just isn’t English, as studying and talking it with out an accent could be a huge problem for some. One Bangladeshi participant shared that his pronunciation of “scorching water” was very totally different from American English, leading to confusions in communication. In contrast, those that have been extra assured of their English expertise felt they will higher perceive American tradition and values because of this, main them to a stronger reference to an American identification.
“[My friends and family tease me for being Americanized when I go back to Japan.] I believe I appear a bit totally different to individuals who reside in Japan. I don’t suppose they imply something unhealthy, they usually [were] simply joking, as a result of I already know that I appear a bit totally different to individuals who reside in Japan.”
–Immigrant man of Japanese origin in mid-40s
“I worth my Hmong tradition, and language, and ethnicity, however I additionally do acknowledge, once more, that I used to be born right here in America and I’m grateful that I used to be born right here, and I used to be given alternatives that my mother and father weren’t given alternatives for.”
–U.S.-born lady of Hmong origin in early 30s
That is how others see and deal with me
Throughout the focus group discussions about identification, a recurring theme emerged concerning the distinction between how individuals noticed themselves and the way others see them. When requested to elaborate on their experiences and their factors of view, some individuals shared experiences that they had with individuals misidentifying their race or ethnicity. Others talked about their frustration with being labeled the “mannequin minority.” In all these discussions, individuals make clear the damaging impacts that mistaken assumptions and labels had on their lives.
All individuals see is ‘Asian’
For a lot of, interactions with others (non-Asians and Asians alike) usually required explaining their backgrounds, reacting to stereotypes, and for these from smaller origin teams particularly, correcting the misunderstanding that being “Asian” means you come from one of many bigger Asian ethnic teams. A number of individuals remarked that in their very own experiences, when others take into consideration Asians, they have a tendency to consider somebody who’s Chinese language. As one immigrant Filipino lady put it, “Interacting with [non-Asians in the U.S.], it’s laborious. … Effectively, first, I look Spanish. I imply, I don’t look Asian, so would you guess – it’s like they’ve a imaginative and prescient of what an Asian [should] appear to be.” Equally, an immigrant Indonesian man remarked how People tended to see Asians primarily by means of their bodily options, which not all Asian teams share.
A number of individuals additionally described how the tendency to view Asians as a monolithic group will be much more frequent within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The primary [thing people think of me as] is simply Chinese language. ‘You guys are simply Chinese language.’ I’m not the one one who felt [this] after the COVID-19 outbreak. ‘Whether or not you’re Japanese, Korean, or Southeast Asian, you’re simply Chinese language [to Americans]. I ought to keep away from you.’ I’ve felt this manner earlier than, however I believe I’ve felt it a bit extra after the COVID-19 outbreak.”
–Immigrant lady of Korean origin in early 30s
On the identical time, different individuals described their very own experiences attempting to persuade others that they’re Asian or Asian American. This was a typical expertise amongst Southeast Asian individuals.
“I’ve to persuade individuals I’m Asian, not Center Japanese. … In the event you sort in Asian otherwise you say Asian, most individuals affiliate it with Chinese language meals, Japanese meals, karate, and like all these items however then they don’t affiliate it with you.”
–U.S.-born man of Pakistani origin in early 30s
The mannequin minority fantasy and its affect
Throughout focus teams, immigrant and U.S.-born individuals described the challenges of the seemingly constructive stereotypes of Asians as clever, gifted in technical roles and hardworking. Contributors usually referred to this because the “mannequin minority fantasy.”
In regards to the mannequin minority fantasy
The label “mannequin minority” was coined within the Nineteen Sixties and has been used to characterize Asian People as financially and educationally profitable and hardworking when put next with different teams. Nevertheless, for a lot of Asians residing in the US, these characterizations don’t align with their lived experiences or replicate their socioeconomic backgrounds. Certainly, amongst Asian origin teams within the U.S., there are broad variations in financial and social experiences.
Tutorial analysis on the mannequin minority fantasy has pointed to its affect past Asian People and in direction of different racial and ethnic teams, particularly Black People, within the U.S. Some argue that the mannequin minority fantasy has been used to justify insurance policies that overlook the historic circumstances and impacts of colonialism, slavery, discrimination and segregation on different non-White racial and ethnic teams.
Many individuals famous methods by which the mannequin minority fantasy has been dangerous. For some, expectations based mostly on the parable didn’t match their very own experiences of coming from impoverished communities. Some additionally recalled experiences at college after they struggled to fulfill their academics’ expectations in math and science.
“As an Asian individual, I really feel like there’s that stereotype that Asian college students are excessive achievers academically. They’re good at math and science. … I used to be a reasonably mediocre pupil, and math and science have been truly my weakest topics, so I really feel prefer it’s both approach you lose. Academics count on you to suit a sure stereotype and in the event you’re not, then you definitely’re a disappointment, however on the identical time, even if you’re good at math and science, that simply implies that you’re becoming a stereotype. It’s [actually] your individual achievement, however your academics would possibly suppose, ‘Oh, it’s as a result of they’re Asian,’ and that diminishes your achievement.”
–U.S.-born lady of Korean origin in late 20s
Some individuals felt that even when being Asian labored of their favor within the job market, they encountered stereotypes that “Asians can do high quality work with much less compensation” or that “Asians wouldn’t complain about something at work.”
“There’s a joke from foreigners and even Asian People that claims, ‘It doesn’t matter what you do, Asians all the time do the perfect.’ You should get A, not simply B-plus. In any other case, you’ll be a shame to the household. … Even Silicon Valley hires Asian as a result of [an] Asian’s wage is cheaper however [they] can work higher. When [work] visa overflow occurs, they rent Asians like Chinese language and Indian to work in IT fields as a result of we’re good at this and don’t complain about something.”
–Immigrant man of Thai origin in early 40s
Others expressed frustration that individuals have been putting them within the mannequin minority field. One Indian lady put it this manner:
“Indian individuals and Asian individuals, like … our mother and father or grandparents are those who immigrated right here … towards all odds. … Numerous Indian and Asian individuals have succeeded and have completed very well for themselves as a result of they’ve labored themselves to the bone. So now the expectations [of] the newer generations who have been born listed below are extremely unrealistic and excessive. And also you get that not solely from your loved ones and the Indian neighborhood, however you’re additionally getting it from the entire American individuals round you, anticipating you to be … insanely good at math, play an instrument, you understand how to do that, you understand how to do this, nevertheless it’s not true. And it’s simply residing with these expectations, it’s tough.”
–U.S.-born lady of Indian origin in early 20s
Whether or not U.S. born or immigrants, Asians are sometimes seen by others as foreigners
Throughout all focus teams, individuals highlighted a typical query they’re requested in America when assembly individuals for the primary time: “The place are you actually from?” For individuals, this query implied that individuals suppose they’re “foreigners,” regardless that they could be longtime residents or residents of the US or have been born within the nation. One man of Vietnamese origin shared his expertise with strangers who assumed that he and his mates are North Korean. Maybe much more hurtful, individuals talked about that this meant individuals had a preconceived notion of what an “American” is meant to appear to be, sound like or act like. One Chinese language lady stated that White People handled individuals like herself as outsiders based mostly on her pores and skin shade and look, regardless that she was raised within the U.S.
Many focus group individuals additionally acknowledged the frequent stereotype of treating Asians as “endlessly foreigners.” Some immigrant individuals stated they felt exhausted from continually being requested this query by individuals even after they communicate excellent English with no accent. Throughout the dialogue, a Korean immigrant man recalled that somebody had stated to him, “You communicate English properly, however the place are you from?” One Filipino participant shared her expertise throughout the first six months within the U.S.:
“, I spoke English advantageous. However there have been sure issues that, you realize, individuals continually questioning you want, oh, the place are you from? When did you come right here? , simply asking about your expertise to the purpose the place … you change into fed up with it after some time.”
–Immigrant lady of Filipino origin in mid-30s
U.S.-born individuals additionally talked about experiences when others requested the place they’re from. Many shared that they might not discuss their ethnic origin straight away when answering such a query as a result of it usually led to misunderstandings and assumptions that they’re immigrants.
“I all the time get that query of, you realize, ‘The place are you from?’ and I’m like, ‘I’m from America.’ After which they’re like, ‘No. The place are you from-from?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, my household is from Pakistan,’ so it’s like I all the time had like that twin identification regardless that it’s by no means connected to me as a result of I’m like, of Pakistani descent.”
–U.S.-born man of Pakistani origin in early 20s
One Korean lady born within the U.S. stated that when individuals know she is Korean, they ask much more offensive questions resembling “Are you from North or South Korea?” or “Do you continue to eat canines?”
In the same scenario, this U.S.-born Indian lady shared her responses:
“I discover that there’s a, ‘So however the place are you from?’ Like even in skilled settings after they really feel snug sufficient to ask you. ‘So – so the place are you from?’ ‘Oh, I used to be born in [names city], Colorado. Like at [the hospital], down the road.’ ‘No, however like the place are you from?’ ‘My mom’s womb?’”
–U.S.-born lady of Indian origin in early 40s
Ignorance and misinformation about Asian identification can result in contentious encounters
In some instances, ignorance and misinformation about Asians within the U.S. result in inappropriate feedback or questions and uncomfortable or harmful conditions. Contributors shared their frustration when others requested about their nation of origin, they usually then needed to clarify their identification or right misunderstandings or stereotypes about their background. At different instances, some individuals confronted ignorant feedback about their ethnicity, which generally led to extra contentious encounters. For instance, some Indian or Pakistani individuals talked concerning the assaults or verbal abuse they skilled from others blaming them for the 9/11 terrorist assaults. Others mentioned the racial slurs directed towards them because the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Some Japanese individuals recalled their households dropping the whole lot and being incarcerated throughout World Battle II and the long-term impact it had on their lives.
“I believe like proper now with the coronavirus, I believe we’re simply Chinese language, Chinese language American, properly, simply Asian American or Asians usually, you’re simply going by means of the identical struggles proper now. Like everyone seems to be simply blaming whoever seems to be Asian concerning the virus. You don’t really feel protected.”
–U.S.-born man of Chinese language origin in early 30s
“At the start of the pandemic, a buddy and I went to have a good time her birthday at a membership and like these guys simply stored calling us COVID.”
–U.S.-born lady of Korean origin in early 20s
“There [were] loads of cases after 9/11. Someday, any person put a poster about 9/11 [in front of] my enterprise. He was carrying a gun. … On the poster, it was written ‘you Arabs, return to your nation.’ After which somebody got here inside. He pointed his gun at me and stated ‘Return to your nation.’”
–Immigrant man of Pakistani origin in mid-60s
“[My parents went through the] internment camps throughout World Battle II. And my dad, he was in highschool, so he was – they have been constructing the camps after which he was put into the Santa Anita horse monitor place, the stables there. After which they have been despatched – all of the Japanese People have been despatched to totally different camps, proper, throughout World Battle II and – in California. Yeah, they usually misplaced the whole lot, yeah.”
–U.S.-born lady of Japanese origin in mid-60s
That is what it means to be dwelling in America
As focus group individuals contemplated their identification throughout the discussions, many talked about their sense of belonging in America. Though some felt annoyed with individuals misunderstanding their ethnic heritage, they didn’t take a damaging view of life in America. As a substitute, many individuals – each immigrant and U.S. born – took pleasure of their distinctive cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In these discussions, individuals gave their very own definitions of America as a spot with a various set of cultures, with their ethnic heritage being part of it.
Taking pleasure of their distinctive cultures
Regardless of the challenges of adapting to life in America for immigrant individuals or of navigating their twin cultural identification for U.S.-born ones, focus group individuals referred to as America their dwelling. And whereas individuals talked about their identities in numerous methods – ethnic identification, racial (Asian) identification, and being American – they take pleasure of their distinctive cultures. Many additionally expressed a powerful sense of duty to provide again or assist their neighborhood, sharing their cultural heritage with others on their very own phrases.
“Proper now it has been a bit tough. I believe it has been for all Asians due to the COVID challenge … however I’m glad that we’re all right here [in America]. I believe we ought to be proud to be right here. I’m glad that our households have traveled right here, and we may also help make life higher for communities, our households and ourselves. I believe that’s actually a beautiful factor. We will be these position fashions for lots of the long run, the youthful of us. I hope that one thing I did within the final years can have impacted both my household, mates or college students that I taught in different neighborhood issues that I’ve completed. So that you hope that it helps someplace alongside the road.”
–U.S.-born lady of Japanese origin in mid-60s
“I’m very happy with my tradition. … There may be not a single Bengali at my office, however individuals know the identify of my nation. Possibly a few years [later] – educated individuals know all concerning the nation. So, I don’t have to clarify that there’s a small nation subsequent to India and Nepal. It’s past saying. Individuals in any case know Bangladesh. And there are such a lot of Bengali current right here as properly. So, I’m very proud to be a Bangladeshi.”
–Immigrant lady of Bangladeshi origin in late 20s
The place house is
When requested concerning the definition of dwelling, some immigrant individuals stated house is the place their households are situated. Immigrants within the focus teams got here to the US by numerous paths, whether or not by means of work alternatives, reuniting with household or searching for a protected haven as refugees. Alongside their journey, some acquired assist from relations, their local people or different people, whereas others overcame challenges by themselves. Both approach, they take pleasure in establishing their dwelling in America and may really feel harm when somebody tells them to “return to your nation.” In response, one Laotian lady in her mid-40s stated, “That is my dwelling. My nation. Go away.”
“In the event you ask me personally, I view my dwelling as my home … then I might say my home is with my household as a result of wherever I am going, I can not marry if I wouldn’t have my household so that’s how I might reply.”
–Immigrant man of Hmong origin in late 30s
“[If somebody yelled at me ‘go back to your country’] I’d really feel offended as a result of that is my nation! I reside right here. America is my nation. I grew up right here and labored right here … I’d say, ‘That is my nation! You return to your nation! … I cannot go wherever. That is my dwelling. I’ll reside right here.’ That’s what I’d say.”
–Immigrant lady of Laotian origin in early 50s
‘American’ means to mix their distinctive cultural and ethnic heritage with that within the U.S.
Each U.S.-born and immigrant individuals within the focus teams shared their experiences of navigating a twin cultural atmosphere between their ethnic heritage and American tradition. A standard thread that emerged was that being Asian in America is a means of mixing two or extra identities as one.
“Yeah, I wish to say that’s how I really feel – as a result of like enthusiastic about it, I might name my dad Lao however I might name myself Laotian American as a result of I believe I’m a bit extra built-in within the American society and I’ve additionally been a bit extra Americanized, in comparison with my dad. In order that’s how I might see it.”
–U.S.-born man of Laotian origin in late 20s
“I imply, Bangladeshi People who’re right here, we’re carrying Bangladeshi tradition, faith, meals. I’m additionally attempting to be Americanized just like the People. Relating to language, consuming habits.”
–Immigrant man of Bangladeshi origin in mid-50s
“Similar to there’s Chinese language American, Mexican American, Japanese American, Italian American, so there’s Indian American. I don’t wish to surrender Indianness. I’m American by nationality, however I’m Indian by delivery. So at any time when I discuss, I attempt to present each the flags as properly, each Indian and American flags. Simply since you make new relations however don’t overlook the outdated relations.”
–Immigrant man of Indian origin in late 40s
About this undertaking
Pew Analysis Heart designed these focus teams to higher perceive how members of an ethnically various Asian inhabitants take into consideration their place in America and life right here. By together with individuals of various languages, immigration or refugee experiences, instructional backgrounds, and revenue ranges, this focus group research aimed to seize in individuals’s personal phrases what it means to be Asian in America. The discussions in these teams could or could not resonate with all Asians residing in the US. Browse excerpts from our focus teams with the interactive quote sorter beneath, view a video documentary centered on the matters mentioned within the focus teams, or inform us your story of belonging in America by way of social media. The main target group undertaking is a part of a broader analysis undertaking finding out the various experiences of Asians residing within the U.S.
Learn sortable quotes from our focus teams
Browse excerpts within the interactive quote sorter from focus group individuals in response to the query “What does it imply to be [Vietnamese, Thai, Sri Lankan, Hmong, etc.] like your self in America?” This interactive permits you to type quotes from focus group individuals by ethnic origin, nativity (U.S. born or born overseas), gender and age.
Video documentary
Movies all through the info essay illustrate what focus group individuals mentioned. These recorded in these movies didn’t take part within the focus teams however have been sampled to have related demographic traits and thematically related tales.
Watch the total video documentary and watch further shorter video clips associated to the themes of this knowledge essay.
Share the story of your loved ones and your identification
Did the voices on this knowledge essay resonate? Share your story of what it means to be Asian in America with @pewresearch.
Inform us your story by utilizing the hashtag #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewidentity on Twitter, in addition to #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewresearch on Instagram.
Methodological observe
This cross-ethnic, comparative qualitative analysis undertaking explores the identification, financial mobility, illustration, and experiences of immigration and discrimination among the many Asian inhabitants in the US. The evaluation relies on 66 focus teams we performed nearly within the fall of 2021 and included 264 individuals from throughout the U.S. Extra details about the teams and evaluation will be discovered on this appendix.
Acknowledgments
Pew Analysis Heart is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its main funder. This knowledge essay was funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with beneficiant assist from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an suggested fund of the Silicon Valley Neighborhood Basis; the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis; the Henry Luce Basis; The Wallace H. Coulter Basis; The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Basis; The Lengthy Household Basis; Lu-Hebert Fund; Gee Household Basis; Joseph Cotchett; the Julian Abdey and Sabrina Moyle Charitable Fund; and Nanci Nishimura.
The accompanying video clips and video documentary have been made attainable by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with beneficiant assist from The Sobrato Household Basis and The Lengthy Household Basis.
We’d additionally prefer to thank the Leaders Discussion board for its thought management and beneficial help in serving to make this research attainable. It is a collaborative effort based mostly on the enter and evaluation of a lot of people and specialists at Pew Analysis Heart and out of doors specialists.
