Asian American Studies #1

The film on Asian Americans in the media that was presented in class was entitled "Slaying the Dragon". What is the dragon that needs slaying that is referred to by the film?

The stereotypic presentations of Asian American women in film and media.

Why do most Japanese Americans speak English well?

They are usually native born. 3rd or 4th generation Japanese Americans

What are some audience preferences that drive television programming and film production?

They want characters they can relate to. People are more comfortable with stereotypical perceptions.

Why do self-report surveys underestimate the racial prejudice that exists in the general population?

When answering surveys more people try to do the socially correct answer when responding to surveys.

Approximately how large is the Asian American population as a percentage of the total United States population?

5.1 percent

Why do many Asian Americans object to the label "oriental"?

A term made by americans. Not specific and makes Asian Americans look like outsiders.

Describe some of the typical ways in which Asians and Asian Americans have been presented in the media and explain why these images may appeal to mainstream consumers.

Asian American woman are conveyed as coy, mysterious, sexual objects for the white male. Asian American males are asexual often villains. These appeal because they are stereotypical mainstream and appeal to the audiences needs and wants.

Which racial group in the United States is growing the fastest?

Asian Americans

What evidence was uncovered during the 1980s suggesting that college admission policies discriminated against Asian Americans? To what extent were the lower admission rates the result of Asian Americans applying to more competitive majors and lower participation in extracurricular activities?

Asian Americans were being admitted at lower rates across all majors despite having credentials. Asian Americans were not more unlikely to join extracurricular activities. Colleges had to admit that they were wrong and that they were being biased

What are some of the largest Asian American groups in the United States?

Chinese, Filipino, Indian Asians

What region in the United States has the greatest concentration of Asian Americans?

Coastal regions California, Hawaii, New York

Some Asian Americans dislike being labeled "Asian Americans". However, why might it be important for Asian Americans to develop a pan-Asian American identity?

Common background or history with other Asian Americans Important for Asian Americans to recognize that they are perceived similarly to people in the out-group. They need to know they have shared political interests.

Why are the stereotypes held by majority group members about minorities more consequential than the stereotypes held by minorities about majority group members?

Control and influence majority group stereotypes are more likely to influence peoples lives more decision making powers. While minority groups are not as consequential.

Are the majority of Asian Americans native born or foreign born?

Foreign Born

What is Institutional discrimination.

Institutional discrimination: established laws, customs, and practices, which systematically reflect inequities in society

What is the legal status of employment and promotion based on a person's English-language proficiency, accent, or desire to speak another language at work?

Its illegal unless it a prerequisite for the job or position.

Why are family income and other statistics somewhat misleading indicators of the economic status of Asian Americans?

Majority of Asian Americans live on the coast where the cost of living is higher.

How does modern racism differ from old fashion racism?

Modern racism is more low key done online and in less public manners.

What are three broad classes of explanations for Asian American educational success?

Nature/Genetics Nurture/Culture Relative Functionalism

What are some nongenetic factors that contribute to differences in IQ test performance between Asian Americans and European Americans, and Hispanic Americans and African Americans?

Resources, parental involvement, higher value on education

Discuss important factors that may contribute to the "glass ceiling" encountered by Asian Americans.

Simple discrimination- Prejudice, negative stereotyping of Asian American leadership abilities Communication skills Cultural differences in leadership style Unfamiliar corporate culture

In what ways are the economic attainments of Asian Americans limited?

Slightly misleading statistics Discrimination Language based discrimination

What are stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination?

Stereotype: beliefs about the attributes and behavior of members of a group. Prejudice: negative feelings or evaluations Discrimination: negative treatment of or behavior toward a group or individual.

what are some of the negative consequences of the foreigner stereotype?

• Asian Americans are not distinguished from Asians. Consequently relations with Asia affect how Asian Americans are treated. • Loyalties of Asian Americans questioned.

Identify the five social and economic factors reviewed in class that are responsible for the high levels of educational attainment of Asian Americans

• Practice and familiarity • Socio economic status • Education • Expectations and motivations • Cultural test biases

What social and economic factors have enabled Asian Americans to attain greater educational success than other minorities?

➢ Focus on schoolwork ➢ Work harder ➢ Cultural expectations

Why have Asian Americans experienced greater economic success than other minorities? Identify the five social and economic factors discussed in class that have enabled Asian Americans to attain greater economic success than other minorities.

➢ Historical factors Selective migrations: immigration act of 1965 opened the doors for immigration from Asia Best educated most highly skilled group of immigrants to ever come to America ➢ Differences in racial discrimination Stereotyped more favorably More likely to have greater opportunities. ➢ Differences in educational opportunities ➢ Differences in resources Capital for business Job networks ➢ Psychological Factors Belief that opportunity exists Belief in the ability to succeed