Ethnic identify Paper Analysis
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Prevalent and Urgent Asian American Issues
Asian Americans presently deal with various problems, such as prejudice, discrimination, and hate crimes. The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent spike in anti-Asian attitudes have contributed to an upsurge in hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans (Chen, 2020). The elderly members of the community have found this particularly challenging because they may encounter more obstacles while trying to get support or assistance. In addition, Asian Americans face problems with representation and fair access to opportunities in society’s various sectors, including work and education. These are only a few instances of the difficulties that Asian Americans could encounter.
The lack of visibility and portrayal of Asian Americans in the media and popular culture is another significant problem they face. Asian Americans have made many contributions to the United States. However, they are frequently overlooked or misrepresented in the media (Merseth, 2020). Asian Americans may find it challenging to have their opinions heard, and their experiences understood due to this lack of visibility, which can also reinforce negative preconceptions and biases.
Finally, immigration and citizenship issues are a problem for Asian Americans. Immigration laws and procedures have undergone numerous changes recently, including the cancellation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and an increase in deportations (Min, 2019). These changes have had a profound influence on Asian Americans, particularly those who are undocumented or have provisional immigration status. They may find it challenging to pursue possibilities for a job, education, and other pursuits as a result, and the community may become fearful and uneasy as a result.
Origins of the Issues and How They became an Issues
Prejudice and Marginalization
Problems that Asian Americans are presently experiencing have a long history and have been shaped by a variety of events. The history of prejudice and marginalization that Asian Americans have experienced in the US is one of the critical causes of these problems. For instance, Asian Americans were subject to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which forbade the immigration of Chinese people. They were not permitted to become citizens until the Naturalization Act of 1870. Asian Americans continue to be affected by these and other discriminatory practices, which has led to many of the problems they confront today.
The Model Minority Myth and Rise of Globalism
The model minority myth is a significant contributor to the challenges that Asian Americans face. According to this stereotype, all Asian Americans are prosperous and educated, and any difficulties they encounter result from their failings rather than widespread prejudice and unfairness. This preconception is problematic because it perpetuates negative stereotypes and biases while also erasing the diversity and complexity of the Asian American community (Merseth, 2020). Finally, the globalization of society and the rise of Asian Americans in the US have both had an impact on the challenges they are facing. The number of Asian Americans has increased and gained more visibility in the United States as the world has gotten more linked. This has created opportunities and difficulties while also refocusing attention on the problems and circumstances facing Asian Americans.
Why it is Important to Address and Resolve the Issues
For a variety of reasons, it is crucial to find solutions to the problems that Asian Americans face. Resolving these problems is primarily a matter of justice and fairness. Firstly, like all people and groups, Asian Americans should be treated with respect and maintain their rights and dignity (Sue, 2020). A crucial first step in establishing a more just and equal society is to address the problems that Asian Americans face. Secondly, the prosperity and well-being of the Asian American community depend on finding solutions to their problems.
Asian Americans may experience significant adverse effects on their mental and physical health as well as their capacity to develop and be successful due to the prejudice, discrimination, and other issues they deal with. By addressing these problems, we can make sure that Asian Americans have the opportunities and assistance they require to live wholesome lives. Finally, it is critical for the larger society that Asian Americans’ problems are resolved. The values and principles upon which our society is built are threatened if any group of individuals is not treated fairly and equally (Sue, 2020). The people can strengthen the social fabric and build a more welcoming and peaceful society for everyone by striving to address the problems that Asian Americans are facing.
Short and Long-Term Solutions to Asian Americans Problems
The problems that Asian Americans are experiencing have a wide range of potential remedies. Some of these remedies can be applied immediately and have an immediate effect because they are short-term. Other solutions are long-term, which means that while they might require more time and work to put into practice, they may have a profound and long-lasting effect (Min, 2019). The following are some potential quick fixes for the problems: Giving assistance and resources, such as legal and psychological support, to those who have been the victims of hate crimes and prejudice. To counteract misconceptions and biases and to increase outreach and education about the issues that Asian Americans face. Creating policies and initiatives to alleviate healthcare inequities and enhance Asian Americans’ access to healthcare.
Moreover, supporting groups and projects that fight for Asian Americans’ rights and interests.
The following are some potential long-term remedies: Fostering inclusion and diversity in all spheres of society, such as in the workplace, the classroom, and in positions of leadership
Strengthening and enforcing laws and regulations that safeguard Asian Americans’ rights and dignity. Putting money into initiatives that promote the advancement of Asian American leaders and businesspeople. And Constructing ties and encouraging communication amongst various racial and ethnic groups to enhance understanding and cooperation.
Pros And Cons of Resolving the Issues
Resolving the problems Asian Americans face has both pros and cons (Merseth, 2020). Potential pros could be: better justice and fairness for Asian Americans, who will not have to deal with prejudice and discrimination. Asian Americans will have better assistance and opportunities, which will improve their health and well-being. Economic gains, as tackling these difficulties, can help unlock the full potential and contributions of Asian Americans. Improved social cohesion and harmony, as resolving these concerns, can assist in creating a more inclusive and equal society for all.
Among the drawbacks of tackling these problems are the following: Cost and resources, as tackling and resolving these problems may entail a sizable commitment of time and energy.
Resistance and opposition, as some individuals may be averse to change or may vehemently reject efforts to solve these concerns. Complexity and difficulties since these problems go deep and may be challenging to address and resolve. Unexpected effects, as efforts to address these problems, may have unintended effects.
Who will be impacted most, and what potentially can happen if the issues affecting Asian Americans are not resolved?
Asian Americans will probably experience prejudice, discrimination, and other difficulties if the problems they are dealing with are not rectified. The prosperity and well-being of the Asian American community, as well as the larger society, will be significantly impacted by this. If these problems are not rectified, Asian Americans will be most negatively affected since they will continue to experience discrimination and other types of oppression (Sue, 2020). This may adversely affect their ability to achieve and grow and their mental and physical health. Furthermore, if these problems are not addressed, Asian Americans may continue to experience discrimination and bias, which could result in more hate crimes and violent acts.
In addition, the whole of society may be affected if these problems are not fixed. The prejudice and discrimination that Asian Americans experience can be detrimental to social harmony and cohesion and to the values and foundations of a just and equitable society (Min, 2020). The full potential and contributions of Asian Americans might also not be fulfilled, resulting in a loss of skills and assets for the entire community.
What to do to continually inform oneself of the issues that affect Asian American society
There are various things people can do to stay up to date on the problems that Asian American society is facing. Possible actions include: Learn about the experiences and history of Asian Americans, particularly the prejudice and discrimination they have endured. Observe news and media sources that discuss issues and experiences affecting Asian Americans. Join and support organizations and initiatives that promote the rights and interests of Asian Americans. Talk about these issues with other residents, Asian Americans, and other ethnicities. And keep up with recent news and changes affecting Asian American issues and experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many problems that Asian Americans deal with, such as prejudice, discrimination, and hate crimes. These issues, which have been made worse by rising anti-Asian sentiments, have had a considerable detrimental effect on the community’s members’ physical and mental well-being. Additionally, Asian Americans face problems with citizenship, immigration, representation, and access to opportunities. It is crucial to confront and settle these problems to advance justice and fairness and build a more inclusive and peaceful society for everybody.
References
Chen, J. A., Zhang, E., & Liu, C. H. (2020). Potential impact of COVID-19–related racial discrimination on the health of Asian Americans. American Journal of Public Health, 110(11), 1624-1627.
Merseth, J. L. (2020). Race-ing solidarity: Asian Americans and support for Black lives matter. In Asian Pacific American Politics (pp. 9-28). Routledge.
Min, P. G. (2019). Major issues relating to Asian American experiences. In Race and ethnic conflict (pp. 195-204). Routledge.
Sue, S. (2020). Asian American mental health: What we know and what we don’t know. Merging past, present, and future in cross-cultural psychology, 82-89.
