Forget coffee. For Asian Americans, each morning begins with some sort of cognitive calculation about how to navigate potential biases we might face throughout the day.
There’s no hiding the facts. Asian Americans fear that hate crimes are rising. One in three of us faced racial abuse last year. A recently signed law prohibits Chinese nationals from purchasing property in parts of Florida. And a recent House spending bill almost revived a controversial Department of Justice program that targets Chinese academics.
Much of this results from a combination of economic and societal pressures: COVID-19, racism about Asian Americans as “perpetual foreigners,” and a leader of one of our two major parties who thrives on grievance and division. We must acknowledge that.
Despite these setbacks, the Asian American community has made a lot of progress: in numbers, in economic strength and, increasingly, in political power. We should acknowledge that, too.
Such was the case for me in 2017 when I became the first Indian American in Illinois to be elected to Congress. Six years later, I would become the first South Asian American in U.S. history to co-lead a congressional committee. I now represent one of 18 Asian American members in Congress, which is sure to grow in 2024.
Growing up in Peoria, I cannot say I would have envisioned this; there were not many Asian American role models at the time. But today, one of the best MLB players, Shohei Ohtani, is Japanese, as is the star pitcher, Shota Imanaga, who has Cubs fans like myself dreaming of another World Series. These players are admired by fans of every background because of what they accomplish on the field.
A legion of other Asian American leaders heads some of our nation’s most important industries as well. As we compete with the China for businesses and jobs of the future, we see leaders such as YouTube co-founder Steve Chen and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen paving the way for generations to follow. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Sandra Oh have helped redefine how we experience the arts. The restaurants Mr Chow and Nobu are altering upscale dining. The musical group BTS is credited for bringing K-pop to the U.S.
This was not the case a couple of decades ago; what we see now are Asians moving from “other” to mainstream, and, progressively, Asian Americans are finding success and recognition as a part of the American mosaic.
This progress shows our country at its best. Most of us admire those who succeed through their own talents and hard work, overcoming historical prejudices and outmoded ways of thinking. It’s what inspired me to run for public office, even though there were few, if any, Asian Americans in office when I ran. And it’s why I encourage others to follow in my footsteps. There is no limit to what can be achieved in this nation if given the opportunity — as was the case for me as I witnessed my mother and father carefully maneuver social safety nets and overcome hard times to equip me for success.
Although we have come far, Asian Americans continue to face challenges, particularly in the realm of social justice. The “model minority” myth, which portrays Asian Americans as universally successful, obscures the disparities and discrimination that exist within the community. This stereotype can marginalize less privileged subgroups and perpetuate harmful biases.
Moreover, the rise in anti-Asian sentiment and violence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the persistent xenophobia Asian Americans endure. These recent moments in U.S. history tore off the Band-Aid, revealing the persistent wound of racism that Asian Americans have endured for far too long. Hate crimes and discrimination became a daily threat, a constant undercurrent of fear. But in the face of this adversity, the Asian American community has shown incredible resilience.
These incidents have galvanized us to unite, to find our collective voice, and to advocate fiercely for greater protection and recognition of our civil rights. In Congress, we fought to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to address the surge in anti-Asian violence, which President Joe Biden signed into law. It wasn’t just about safety; it was about demanding to be seen, valued and respected as an integral part of the American fabric. Despite our nation getting it wrong sometimes, it does seem to adjust and accommodate over time. The stain of slavery, the disenfranchisement of women and the recent rise in LGBTQ+ violence are stark reminders of our nation’s imperfections. Yet, each of these periods of injustice has been met with eventual, if sometimes painfully slow, recognition and redress.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month may be behind us, but let us not forget our communities’ harrowing past. Just as important, let us be reminded of the lasting impact we have had in enriching the tapestry of American life. Our achievements extend far beyond this month, and our stories deserve to be celebrated year-round.
Even with the mental gymnastics we must perform each morning, Asian Americans should celebrate our achievements and stand in solidarity against discrimination. We should continue to champion our voices and fight for a more equitable future. And we should never give up on the promise of a society where everyone is valued and respected.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Schaumburg, represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District.
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