This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of Asian American participation in US politics. Written to be easily accessible to students, the book covers historical and cultural context, political behavior and attitudes, interest groups and parties, elected officials, and public policies that have an important impact on Asian Americans. The role of identity provides an organizing theme which allows students to see connections between different aspects of Asian American politics. Andrew Aoki and Okiyoshi Takeda explain how the fate of Asian Americans has been powerfully influenced by the way they have been portrayed in the media, and more generally, in US society. Students are introduced to the 'forever foreigner' image, which has helped to marginalise Asian Americans, and the 'model minority' myth, which can give policymakers misleading impressions. The book also stresses how Asian Americans have worked to take control of their image and political fortunes. Students learn how the Asian American Movement helped to promote a 'panethnic' identity which could strengthen Asian American political influence. "Asian American Politics" is a lively and accessible introduction, ideal for students taking courses in race and politics.
Table of Contents
* Preface: Asian American Politics? Racialization and its Consequences * Chapter 1: WHY STUDY ASIAN AMERICAN POLITICS? Racialization and its consequences. * Chapter 2: ASIAN AMERICANS TODAY * Chapter 3: POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND PUBLIC OPINION * Chapter 4: INTEREST GROUPS AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS * Chapter 5: ELECTED OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATION * Chapter 6: CONFLICT AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER MINORITY GROUPS * Chapter 7: IMAGES OF ASIAN AMERICANS AND THEIR POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES * Chapter 8: ASIAN AMERICANS, PUBLIC POLICY, AND INTERSECTIONALITY * Chapter 9: THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY AND THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN POLITICS * Appendix: Defining and Counting Asian Americans * Notes * Works Cited * Index
Author Biography
Andrew Aoki is Professor of Political Science at Augsburg College. Okiyoshi Takeda is Associate Professor of Political Science at Aoyama Gakuin University.
