A Pulse Survey of Asian Americans at Work

In writing this book, we knew from personal experience and through facilitating past discussion groups that Asian Americans were facing unique challenges in the workplace that were going unseen. We found research and statistics to support the glass ceiling for Asian minorities that can be found in chapter 7, Invisible Minority; however, we wanted to find out how Asian Americans themselves felt about their experience and provide them with a voice. We also wanted to validate our assumptions and determine if the impressions we had could be found across a random sampling of Asian Americans. The common theme we found in talking with Asian Americans through different discussions and focus groups conducted by both authors throughout their careers is that Asian Americans often viewed their experience as an isolated individual occurrence, and they did not see the tie into a larger community of experience. One survey respondent commented on this issue by saying: I think the whole idea of labeling oneself an ‘Asian-American’ is defective thinking. Living in America, we need to believe and understand that we are not ‘Something’-American. We are all simply American; regardless of our heritage, or ethnic background… I hate organizations that are specifically designed to promote a minority race or ethnic group… I am proud to be an American, not Asian-American. Whatever the hell that is supposed to mean.