Asian American Studies 197A
Winter Quarter 2002

Reflection Journal 1

How Class Dynamics Have Shaped My Consciousness
By Gillian Claycomb

Throughout the history of the United States, people in higher social, political and economic standing have taken advantage of their power over other religious, ethnic, and cultural groups to benefit themselves. All of these powerful people descend from immigrant ancestors, most of whom arrived in this country poor and powerless. Communities of recent immigrants are often exploited more extensively than other communities. As people adapt to their new surroundings, learn the language and how to access resources, they gain more power within American society.

This is what has happened with many Asian American communities. I believe the growing numbers of Asian American students, as well as the increase in the professional positions they go on to occupy, translate into immense opportunities for Asian American students, Asian American communities, and other ethnic groups. Even if these students come from families that live outside of 'enclave' communities, they still diversify institutions of higher education, which are primarily controlled by wealthy white people. Different family histories, ethnic self-identifications, and personal traditions bring new viewpoints. It is vital for students (who will occupy future positions of power in the U.S.) to be exposed to as many different viewpoints as possible.

Discussing and learning from Asian American classmates leads to increased tolerance and understanding, of Asian Americans and other groups. Successful Asian American students and professionals demonstrate the power of education. More resources may return to Asian American communities and young Asian American children may find more role models. This can create even more opportunities for Asian Americans. In addition, this example can be used in order to shape policy that affects other ethnic communities in the US. We have many examples of how higher education leads to more advanced (by mainstream standards) goals and achievements. If Asian Americans in positions of power (like university students) work together with people from disadvantaged backgrounds (such as underrepresented students or other immigrant communities), then the educational, political, and economic gains they have made can be resources for all.

I think that many low-income immigrant workers would share this opinion, but I think that most of them would point out its idealism. It is not the most realistic view. Many people feel that it is necessary to first secure their own well-being, before concerning themselves with the struggles of others. Especially at institutions such as UCLA, I think that people become somewhat detached from issues that don't directly affect them. Many immigrant workers might wonder what motivation a student at an elite institution would have to care about low-income communities. Indeed, having experienced the apathy, ignorance, and assimilation to the norm that occur at this school, I often wonder the same.

I think that today's community class dynamics have completely shaped my consciousness. I expect certain things of myself and the people and situations around me based on my standing. This is not to say that I desire the expected outcomes, but just that things are so predictable... For example, last year I tutored a young Cambodian man at a juvenile probation camp, who had been locked up for driving without a license, and having drugs and weapons concealed in his car. I know I am less likely to get stopped by a cop than he is, and I know that there is more chance I will graduate from college than there is he will. This is because institutions such as schools and police have racist, class-shaped ideas. It is also because I have different access to education, financial assistance and mentors — my friends are not gang-members; I have a completely different conception of the world and my place in it than he does.

I think that my position in an Asian American studies class does not present any new responsibilities. I believe that we all have the responsibility to use our knowledge and our access to resources, such as computers, books, and other institutional infrastructure, to the benefit of those who do not have the same resources. At each point in our lives, there are certain areas where we will be more effective focusing our energies. This depends on what and who we know, and who can most use our help at that time and place. Therefore, my responsibilities remain the same. It is the possibilities that expand through this class. Now I can meet other students who are interested in working on immigrant and labor issues, and network with them in order to provide more support for all of our endeavors. I can also learn more about Asian American issues from people first-hand. Understanding the patterns will help me expand my other work, which has been focusing more on international and Latino labor issues. I think this class presents so many new opportunities for all of us! Working with and learning about different community organizations will allow us to coordinate all our efforts. I think that it's incredibly important for all of us organizing to be aware of what others are doing, because so often activists get split up into each of our own small areas. But exploitation, class differences, sexism, racism, immigration... all the areas we individually focus on fit

This ties in with the next question, which is hat I think one way I can use my position as a UCLA student is to communicate to other students what I learn in this class. I think that many non-Asian American students don't consider taking Asian American Studies classes because they just don't realize how much these classes really apply to themselves. Low-income and immigrant workers are a part of all of our lives, because they provide the economic basis for the rest of the country. The capitalist system would not survive if it weren't for people taking care of society's most basic needs; food, cleaning, clothing.

I think I can use my ability to read and write, my leisure time, my social contacts, my status as a legal U.S. resident, and other resources, in order to publicize the unfair situations in which many low-income immigrant workers find themselves. Since I can't really be deported or jailed for voicing my concerns, I can argue for better working conditions. I can try to educate other people who have similar access to resources about the effects of their consumption habits, and the system they support.