Asian American Studies 197A
Winter Quarter 2002

Reflection Journal 1

Recognizing the Value of Asian American Studies
By Aaron Chung

With the emergence of Asian American Studies and a growing number of classes affiliated with it, there are increased opportunities for the large number of Asian American students to study society from a more familiar and personal perspective. The histories and stories of Asians and Asian Americans in this country are equally interesting and important than that of other peoples, though they have only recently been called upon as legitimate teaching aides. This growth indicates a growing acceptance of Asian American Studies into mainstream culture and American life. Institutions of higher learning are more and more becoming a larger part of our society, and growth within those systems of learning can be a prelude to the changing times in society in general.

There is no inherent danger in the addition and growth of Asian American Studies. However, the primary setback that may occur as a result of these courses becoming as prevalent as they are is a lack of interest in the subjects. Students may choose to not take advantage of these courses. Many students that are emerging from parents with professional backgrounds grew up not knowing many of the issues that confronted their parent’s generations and the generations before. It is often the case that these students take for granted how easily they have passed through life, with little or no challenges along the way. New immigrants whose parents may have been well off before immigrating situate themselves easily in an environment by having all they need provided for them, which also includes fellow students with similar backgrounds that allow them to stay sheltered from any negative outside influences. If more students decide to not take an interest in their rich histories, Asian American Studies may become extinct by the very lives it sought to enrich.

Unfortunately, many low-income immigrant workers are not aware of the types of changes that can come as a result of students learning from such courses. These workers live lives that may not necessarily include institutions such as UCLA in their everyday interactions or matters. Instead of realizing that students are learning and becoming potential activists, possibly for whatever cause the worker is in to, they are more concerned with making money to feed and clothe their families or send back to their relatives in their native lands. A student taking such classes would then undoubtedly share a different viewpoint than that of low-income immigrant workers.

As a student enrolled at an institution such as UCLA, I am already more fortunate than most other people in my age group. By taking courses in Asian American Studies, it has focused me on issues I would not normally take notice of, such as class dynamics. Having grown up in an area where Asian families were a minority and seeing it transform into an area that can in some ways be considered Los Angeles’ "Third Chinatown," I have first-hand accounts of seeing how class dynamics have changed throughout the years. I have become more aware of the differences between working class families, which I was raised in, and those of more professional backgrounds. Most of the newer professionals and business people forget or are not aware of the fact that there were people before them that helped pave the way for their own success. In this matter, my status as a student familiar with such issues indirectly puts me in a position to help educate those who might be unaware of the whole situation. This could mean a career of activism, or simply correcting a co-worker’s statement in which they are not fully acquainted with the facts.

The primary way students such as myself can support the struggles of people like low-income immigrant workers is to get involved. Academia is full of resources that can help students start at the grassroots level of activism. Many professors and advisors have had first hand experience with such activism, and experience is the thing that students have to understand before setting off on their own. Researching the struggle of low-income immigrant workers is relatively easy, especially here at UCLA, where the faculty is diverse enough to provide the resources to start a campaign of any sort. As we graduate from the university, there remains much to be done, and the education and experiences we have learned in time spent here can be used in ways to facilitate the cause of low-income immigrant workers.