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Discuss: Do Asian Americans Still Face Challenges?

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New York City Comptroller John Liu (C) celebrates with his family after he was sworn into office by Judge Jeffrey K. Oing (R) at New York’s City Hall, Jan. 1, 2010. (Hiroko Masuike/Getty Images)
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New York City Comptroller John Liu (C) celebrates with his family after he was sworn into office by Judge Jeffrey K. Oing (R) at New York’s City Hall, Jan. 1, 2010. (Hiroko Masuike/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, May 17, 2010 - This month Asia Society spotlights the remarkable achievements of—and the continuing challenges faced by—the one in eight New Yorkers and over 15 million Americans who trace their descent to Asia or the Pacific Islands. President Obama recently emphasized those challenges by reestablishing two major White House initiatives, and Asian Americans are increasingly represented in important positions at every level of government.

Tell us what you think. Does this heightened visibility and increased prominence mean that Asian Americans have become assimilated into the mainstream of American life? Or are there still obstacles preventing people of Asian descent from achieving their full potential in this country?

Join the discussion below. Then, join us at Asia Society New York on Wednesday, May 19 for a discussion on how Asian Americans are changing the landscape of American life with the following guests:

Christine Lagdameo, the Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders
John C. Liu, New York City Comptroller & the first city-wide Asian American elective official
Mee Moua, State Senator, MN, and the First Hmong American elected to a state legislature
Vijay Iyer, composer/pianist
Alice Young, Partner & Chair, Asia Pacific Practice, Kaye Scholar LLP

Please note: this panel discussion will also be a free live video webcast from 6:00 to 7:30 pm ET on AsiaSociety.org/live. Online viewers are encouraged to submit their questions to moderator@asiasociety.org.

Josephine | 05:18:10 12:33pm
The more we create boundaries among ethnic groups, the less assimilated we will really be. Americans are Americans. New Americans face certain challenges, but these days, I will argue that is an economic and perhaps linguistic obstacle, not a race issue. We all have rich heritages to share.
Liz | 05:18:10 12:14pm
As a "European-American" whose ancestors chose to come to the melting pot, no one can tell if my roots are Irish, Scottish, French or English (all are true.) I am an "American" (no hyphen) but am still proud of my roots. Those of different ethnic ancestry still have the hyphen, whether or not they want it. Some long to be considered just "American" and others are proud of the hyphen. I believe deeply that all cultures contribute to the richness of this country and should do so on an equal basis, accepting the laws of the land and learning the language - as I would should I choose to make another country mine! I sincerely hope that ugly predudices are more of the past & are less of an obstacle now - but I look forward to hearing from the speakers as to their experiences.
Jasminder | 05:18:10 11:58am
I'm very much looking forward to this discussion, and I think it will be helpful to begin with some context as to what, for the purpose of this conversation, constitutes the 'mainstream' of American life.
Mad Cow | 05:18:10 12:36pm
There is no mainstream America. The media tries to feed us one, but I reject the notion completely. Why not ask about assimilation into American life? The answers will be much more complex and interesting.

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