Asian American Studies in U.S. | Asian American Life

Summary

The transcript discusses the increasing demand for Asian American history to be integrated into educational curricula amid rising anti-Asian sentiment. It traces the origins of Asian American Studies to a 1968 student strike at San Francisco State, which led to the establishment of ethnic studies programs across the U.S. Although CUNY offers Asian American Studies courses, there is no major in this field, and only 26 universities nationwide offer one. Advocates argue that expanding these programs is essential for understanding the contributions and struggles of Asian Americans throughout U.S. history, fostering cross-community understanding, and empowering AAPI students.

Takeaways

• 📚 The rise of anti-Asian hate has spurred advocates and students to call for the inclusion of Asian American history in school curriculums.
• ✊ The history of Asian American studies dates back to 1968, when students at San Francisco State University initiated a strike that led to the creation of an Ethnic Studies program.
• 🏫 San Francisco State's movement led to the development of separate departments for Black, Latino, and Asian Studies at universities across the U.S.
• 👩‍🏫 At CUNY, the Asian American and Asian Research Institute (AAARI) was co-founded by Betty Lee Sung and Thomas Tam, and Hunter College now has an Asian American Studies program.
• 🎓 Hunter College offers the most courses and serves the most students in Asian American Studies within the CUNY system.
• 📖 The classes in Asian American Studies cover a wide range of topics, from the history of Asians in the U.S. to the Muslim diaspora and literature, with a focus on how Asian Americans fit into the broader story of America.
• ⚠️ Despite the interest, Hunter and CUNY do not offer a major in Asian American Studies, a limitation that affects funding and program stability.
• 🏛 Only 26 universities in the U.S. offer a major in Asian American Studies, though there is increasing demand for more support, especially given the rise in anti-Asian violence.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Understanding Asian American contributions to U.S. history, alongside the stories of other marginalized groups, is key to fostering solidarity and combating hate.
• 🔗 Investment in Asian American Studies is seen as vital for empowering students and creating pathways for future leadership, including possible roles in government.

Q & A

What sparked the creation of the Ethnic Studies program in the US?

The Ethnic Studies program was created following the 1968 student strike at San Francisco State, where students demanded the inclusion of ethnic studies in the curriculum, specifically addressing underrepresented groups such as Black, Latino, and Asian communities.

Who co-founded the Asian American and Asian Research Institute (AAARI) at CUNY?

Betty Lee Sung and Thomas Tam co-founded the Asian American and Asian Research Institute (AAARI) at CUNY.

What is significant about the Asian American Studies program at Hunter College?

Hunter College offers the most courses in Asian American Studies within the entire CUNY system, attracting over 1,000 students annually from various disciplines to study a range of topics related to Asian American history, culture, and diaspora.

Why is it important to offer a major in Asian American Studies?

Offering a major in Asian American Studies provides more stability and funding to the program, which is crucial for its long-term sustainability. It also allows deeper academic focus and institutional support.

How many universities in the US offer an Asian American Studies major?

According to College Board, only 26 universities in the US offer a major in Asian American Studies.

Why is teaching Asian American history at the college level important?

Since AAPI history is rarely taught in grade school, college provides students with a vital opportunity to learn about their own families' histories and their contributions to broader US history, as well as the long history of anti-Asian hate in the country.

What does Vivian Louie say about the role of Asian Americans in US history?

Vivian Louie emphasizes that Asian Americans are critical to the story of America, having made significant contributions to the country's development. She also highlights that anti-Asian hate has existed in the US for over 150 years, not just in recent times.

What role does Joyce Moy believe Asian American Studies plays in empowering students?

Joyce Moy believes that Asian American Studies empowers students by helping them understand their history, contributions, and the importance of voicing critical issues. This empowerment can create a pipeline to leadership roles, even potentially leading to the president's office.

How does the history of Asian Americans relate to other marginalized groups in the US?

Joyce Moy notes that when different communities understand that they have shared paths in becoming American, it fosters greater appreciation for each other. This understanding can support movements like Black Lives Matter and recognize the contributions of Asian Americans alongside other groups.

What percentage of CUNY students identify as AAPI, and why is this significant?

More than 20% of CUNY students identify as AAPI. This is significant because it highlights the need for Asian American Studies programs to cater to and represent the large AAPI student population, ensuring their history and contributions are recognized and taught.