Understanding Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage - NBCU Academy

Summary

This video highlights the diversity and rich cultural heritage of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. It covers the history of AAPI Heritage Month, the significance of May, and the diverse ethnicities within the community, including those from East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands. It also acknowledges the challenges faced, such as discrimination and harmful stereotypes, while celebrating the accomplishments of historical and contemporary figures. The video emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating AAPI contributions year-round, not just during Heritage Month.

Takeaways

• 😀 AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month originated as a week-long celebration in 1979 before being extended to a month in 1992.
• 😀 May was chosen as AAPI Heritage Month due to two significant events: the first Japanese immigrants arriving in the U.S. in May 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in May 1869, with significant contributions from Chinese immigrants.
• 😀 The AAPI community is diverse, with 24 million Americans identifying as Asian and over 1 million as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, including numerous ethnicities and languages.
• 😀 The AAPI community includes subgroups like South Asians (from India, Sri Lanka), East Asians (from Japan, South Korea), and Southeast Asians (from Malaysia, Singapore), with some identifying by their specific region or ancestral country.
• 😀 The Pacific Islands are divided into three regions: Melanesia (e.g., Fiji), Micronesia (e.g., Guam), and Polynesia (e.g., Hawaii). Native Hawaiians are a significant part of this group.
• 😀 The U.S. census does not officially include North Asia (Russia) or West Asia (Middle East), though some individuals from those regions may still identify with the AAPI community.
• 😀 The AAPI community has faced historical discrimination, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882), the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and post-9/11 discrimination against South Asians, Arabs, and Muslims.
• 😀 The AAPI community continues to fight for justice, with Native Hawaiians confronting the effects of colonization and tourism that threatens their cultural heritage.
• 😀 Despite discrimination, the AAPI community has made significant strides, thanks to the efforts of trailblazers like Dalip Singh Saund, Patsy Mink, and Ellison Onizuka, among others.
• 😀 Modern AAPI figures such as Kamala Harris, Michelle Yeoh, Simu Liu, and Auli'i Cravalho are breaking barriers in politics, entertainment, and space exploration, continuing the legacy of AAPI achievement.
• 😀 The celebration of AAPI heritage extends beyond May, with the goal of encouraging year-round recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures, languages, and contributions within the AAPI community.

Q & A

What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean?

Being Asian American or Pacific Islander can mean a variety of things as these communities come from many different countries and cultures. Each individual brings their own unique experiences, customs, and heritage, which contribute to a rich, diverse culture that is celebrated throughout the year.

Why is May designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

May was chosen as the month to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage because of two key historical events: in May 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S., and in May 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad, which many Chinese immigrants helped build, was completed.

How did the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month begin?

The celebration started as a week-long event in 1979, called Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. It was extended to a month in 1992 by Congress, and in recent years, the Biden Administration renamed it to 'Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month.'

What ethnic groups are included in the AAPI community?

The AAPI community includes a wide variety of ethnic groups, such as those from East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These groups can identify more specifically by their region, such as South Asian (India, Sri Lanka), East Asian (Japan, Korea), or Southeast Asian (Malaysia, Singapore).

What is the difference between the various Asian regions, and which ones are included in the U.S. Census?

The U.S. Census categorizes people from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia as part of the Asian American community but excludes North Asia (such as Russia) and West Asia (the Middle East). Some people with ties to these areas may still identify as part of the broader Asian American community.

What are the three main regions in the Pacific Islands?

The three main regions of the Pacific Islands are Melanesia, which includes countries like Fiji; Micronesia, which includes places like Guam; and Polynesia, which includes Hawaii.

What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the AAPI community?

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a wave of anti-Asian hate and xenophobia, with numerous violent attacks against AAPI individuals. This reflected longstanding patterns of discrimination, including the Chinese Exclusion Act and Japanese American internment camps during WWII.

What historical instances of discrimination have Asian Americans faced in U.S. history?

Asian Americans have faced significant discrimination throughout U.S. history, including the Chinese Exclusion Act in the late 1800s, Japanese American internment camps during WWII, and discrimination against South Asian, Arab, and Muslim Americans after the 9/11 attacks.

What is the significance of the 'model minority myth' and 'forever foreigner' stereotype?

The 'model minority myth' and the 'forever foreigner' stereotype are harmful and reductive ideas that often marginalize Asian Americans. The model minority myth suggests that all Asian Americans are successful and face no challenges, while the forever foreigner stereotype portrays them as perpetual outsiders in the U.S., regardless of how long their families have lived in the country.

Who are some notable Asian American and Pacific Islander trailblazers mentioned in the video?

Notable AAPI trailblazers include Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian American to serve in Congress; Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman in Congress; Ellison Onizuka, the first Asian American astronaut; Vice President Kamala Harris; actress Michelle Yeoh; actor Simu Liu; and Ali Cravalho, the first Native Hawaiian Disney princess.