APIs and the Election

I've noticed that there hasn't much attention on the API vote although I read one article this morning abut Rubio stating how the GOP can win back the API vote. I'm guess I'm wondering how they can win back when there doesn't seem much interest about the loss in the first place. Also, whenever racism comes up in debates in both parties, APIs are never brought up as recipients of racism and racial prejudice. When immigration is raised, it is rare to hear how policies will affect immigrants from Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. When jobs are discussed, there is no talk about the "Bamboo" ceiling for API professionals or about the poverty and lack of jobs among some API groups.

Much of this I believe can be attributed to APIs (most but certainly not all as APIs are a diverse group of peoples and cultures) being seen as model minorities, i.e. Honorary Whites. Essentially we don't upset the apple cart but when we do, we aren't really taken seriously. Certainly, some of Asian culture (again, broadly) has an inclination to assimilate and save face, which can lead to a lack of initiative and advocacy. At the same time, we don't have agency as we are still in many sectors seen "less than" due to our features being construed as foreign and not considered as truly "American."

So, how should APIs be voting? Frankly I have no idea but a good start is for both parties to sincerely  address our specific interests and concerns in their debates, town halls and in their web pages. I want to know why my vote matters to them and that what I care about matters to their party.

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