Asian Americans and U.S. Politics
Re “Asian Americans Scarce in U.S. Corridors of Power,” Oct. 21: Why aren’t there more Asian Americans in political power? The answer goes beyond the theory of perceived “division of loyalties.” It’s actually much simpler--our appearance. It’s obvious when one is of Asian descent. Unlike the Kissingers and Brzezinskis, it’s pretty tough to hide one’s “otherness” in white America. As a Chinese American who lived in largely white communities for years, I always felt different, even though I experienced little overt racism.
The fact that so many Asian Americans seem content with their lack of participation in the political process is not puzzling at all. Politics is about money. And Americans of Asian descent have historically done quite well in business and academia--we’ve achieved economic success by means other than political power. Given the alternative routes to the American dream, why would any of us want to subject ourselves and our families to the intense public scrutiny of political office?
VIVIEN HAO
Redondo Beach
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