# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We apologize for the inconvenience. If you are a Workday customer and require additional assistance please contact the Workday Administrator within your organization. Otherwise, please check back later.

# data[].attributes.body
Read the lived experiences and perspectives of Asian Americans in their own words

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
No single experience defines what it means to be Asian in the United States today. Instead, Asian Americans' lived experiences are in part shaped by where they were born, how connected they are to their family's ethnic origins, and how others - both Asians and non-Asians - see and engage with them in their daily lives. Yet despite diverse experiences, backgrounds and origins, shared experiences and common themes emerged when we asked: "What does it mean to be Asian in America?"

In the fall of 2021, Pew Research Center undertook the largest focus group study it had ever conducted - 66 focus groups with 264 total participants - to hear Asian Americans talk about their lived experiences in America. The focus groups were organized into 18 distinct Asian ethnic origin groups, fielded in 18 languages and moderated by members of their own ethnic groups. Because of the pandemic, the focus groups were conducted virtually, allowing us to recruit participants from all parts of the United States. This approach allowed us to hear a diverse set of voices - especially from less populous Asian ethnic groups whose views, attitudes and opinions are seldom presented in traditional polling. The approach also allowed us to explore the reasons behind people's opinions and choices about what it means to belong in America, beyond the preset response options of a traditional survey.

Across all focus groups, some common findings emerged. Participants highlighted how the pan-ethnic "Asian" label used in the U.S. represented only one part of how they think of themselves. For example, recently arrived Asian immigrant participants told us they are drawn more to their ethnic identity than to the more general, U.S.-created pan-ethnic Asian American identity. Meanwhile, U.S.-born Asian participants shared how they identified, at times, as Asian but also, at other times, by their ethnic origin and as Americans.

Another common finding among focus group participants is the disconnect they noted between how they see themselves and how others view them. Sometimes this led to maltreatment of them or their families, especially at heightened moments in American history such as during Japanese incarceration during World War II, the aftermath of 9/11 and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond these specific moments, many in the focus groups offered their own experiences that had revealed other people's assumptions or misconceptions about their identity.

Another shared finding is the multiple ways in which participants take and express pride in their cultural and ethnic backgrounds while also feeling at home in America, celebrating and blending their unique cultural traditions and practices with those of other Americans.

This focus group project is part of a broader research agenda about Asians living in the United States. The findings presented here offer a small glimpse of what participants told us, in their own words, about how they identify themselves, how others see and treat them, and more generally, what it means to be Asian in America.
Illustrations by Jing Li
Publications from the Being Asian in America project

This is how I view my identity

One of the topics covered in each focus group was how participants viewed their own racial or ethnic identity. Moderators asked them how they viewed themselves, and what experiences informed their views about their identity. These discussions not only highlighted differences in how participants thought about their own racial or ethnic background, but they also revealed how different settings can influence how they would choose to identify themselves. Across all focus groups, the general theme emerged that being Asian was only one part of how participants viewed themselves.

The pan-ethnic label 'Asian' is often used more in formal settings

Many participants described a complicated relationship with the pan-ethnic labels "Asian" or "Asian American." For some, using the term was less of an active choice and more of an imposed one, with participants discussing the disconnect between how they would like to identify themselves and the available choices often found in formal settings. For example, an immigrant Pakistani woman remarked how she typically sees "Asian American" on forms, but not more specific options. Similarly, an immigrant Burmese woman described her experience of applying for jobs and having to identify as "Asian," as opposed to identifying by her ethnic background, because no other options were available. These experiences highlight the challenges organizations like government agencies and employers have in developing surveys or forms that ask respondents about their identity. A common sentiment is one like this:

Smaller ethnic groups default to 'Asian' since their groups are less recognizable

Other participants shared how their experiences in explaining the geographic location and culture of their origin country led them to prefer "Asian" when talking about themselves with others. This theme was especially prominent among those belonging to smaller origin groups such as Bangladeshis and Bhutanese. A Lao participant remarked she would initially say "Asian American" because people might not be familiar with "Lao."

"​​[When I fill out] forms, I select 'Asian American,' and that's why I consider myself as an Asian American. [It is difficult to identify as] Nepali American [since] there are no such options in forms. That's why, Asian American is fine to me."

-Immigrant woman of Nepalese origin in late 20s

But for many, 'Asian' as a label or identity just doesn't fit

Many participants felt that neither "Asian" nor "Asian American" truly captures how they view themselves and their identity. They argue that these labels are too broad or too ambiguous, as there are so many different groups included within these labels. For example, a U.S.-born Pakistani man remarked on how "Asian" lumps many groups together - that the term is not limited to South Asian groups such as Indian and Pakistani, but also includes East Asian groups. Similarly, an immigrant Nepalese man described how "Asian" often means Chinese for many Americans. A Filipino woman summed it up this way:

"Now I consider myself to be both Filipino and Asian American, but growing up in [Southern California] ... I didn't start to identify as Asian American until college because in [the Los Angeles suburb where I lived], it's a big mix of everything - Black, Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian ... when I would go into spaces where there were a lot of other Asians, especially East Asians, I didn't feel like I belonged. ... In media, right, like people still associate Asian with being East Asian."

-U.S.-born woman of Filipino origin in mid-20s

Participants also noted they have encountered confusion or the tendency for others to view Asian Americans as people from mostly East Asian countries, such as China, Japan and Korea. For some, this confusion even extends to interactions with other Asian American groups. A Pakistani man remarked on how he rarely finds Pakistani or Indian brands when he visits Asian stores. Instead, he recalled mostly finding Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese items.

Among participants of South Asian descent, some identified with the label "South Asian" more than just "Asian." There were other nuances, too, when it comes to the labels people choose. Some Indian participants, for example, said people sometimes group them with Native Americans who are also referred to as Indians in the United States. This Indian woman shared her experience at school:

Participants with multiethnic or multiracial backgrounds described their own unique experiences with their identity. Rather than choosing one racial or ethnic group over the other, some participants described identifying with both groups, since this more accurately describes how they see themselves. In some cases, this choice reflected the history of the Asian diaspora. For example, an immigrant Cambodian man described being both Khmer/Cambodian and Chinese, since his grandparents came from China. Some other participants recalled going through an "identity crisis" as they navigated between multiple identities. As one woman explained:

In other cases, the choice reflected U.S. patterns of intermarriage. Asian newlyweds have the highest intermarriage rate of any racial or ethnic group in the country. One Japanese-origin man with Hispanic roots noted:

Other identities beyond race or ethnicity are also important

Focus group participants also talked about their identity beyond the racial or ethnic dimension. For example, one Chinese woman noted that the best term to describe her would be "immigrant." Faith and religious ties were also important to some. One immigrant participant talked about his love of Pakistani values and how religion is intermingled into Pakistani culture. Another woman explained:

"[Japanese language and culture] are very important to me and ingrained in me because they were always part of my life, and I felt them when I was growing up. Even the word itadakimasu reflects Japanese culture or the tradition. Shinto religion is a part of the culture. They are part of my identity, and they are very important to me."

-Immigrant woman of Japanese origin in mid-30s

For some, gender is another important aspect of identity. One Korean participant emphasized that being a woman is an important part of her identity. For others, sexual orientation is an essential part of their overall identity. One U.S.-born Filipino participant described herself as "queer Asian American." Another participant put it this way:

Immigrant identity is tied to their ethnic heritage

Participants born outside the United States tended to link their identity with their ethnic heritage. Some felt strongly connected with their ethnic ties due to their citizenship status. For others, the lack of permanent residency or citizenship meant they have stronger ties to their ethnicity and birthplace. And in some cases, participants said they held on to their ethnic identity even after they became U.S. citizens. One woman emphasized that she will always be Taiwanese because she was born there, despite now living in the U.S.

For other participants, family origin played a central role in their identity, regardless of their status in the U.S. According to some of them, this attitude was heavily influenced by their memories and experiences in early childhood when they were still living in their countries of origin. These influences are so profound that even after decades of living in the U.S., some still feel the strong connection to their ethnic roots. And those with U.S.-born children talked about sending their kids to special educational programs in the U.S. to learn about their ethnic heritage.

Many participants pointed to cultural differences they have noticed between their ethnic culture and U.S. culture. One of the most distinct differences is in food. For some participants, their strong attachment to the unique dishes of their families and their countries of origin helps them maintain strong ties to their ethnic identity. One Sri Lankan participant shared that her roots are still in Sri Lanka, since she still follows Sri Lankan traditions in the U.S. such as preparing kiribath (rice with coconut milk) and celebrating Ramadan.

For other participants, interactions in social settings with those outside their own ethnic group circles highlighted cultural differences. One Bangladeshi woman talked about how Bengalis share personal stories and challenges with each other, while others in the U.S. like to have "small talk" about TV series or clothes.

Many immigrants in the focus groups have found it is easier to socialize when they are around others belonging to their ethnicity. When interacting with others who don't share the same ethnicity, participants noted they must be more self-aware about cultural differences to avoid making mistakes in social interactions. Here, participants described the importance of learning to "fit in," to avoid feeling left out or excluded. One Korean woman said:

And a Bhutanese immigrant explained:

Language was also a key aspect of identity for the participants. Many immigrants in the focus groups said they speak a language other than English at home and in their daily lives. One Vietnamese man considered himself Vietnamese since his Vietnamese is better than his English. Others emphasized their English skills. A Bangladeshi participant felt that she was more accepted in the workplace when she does more "American" things and speaks fluent English, rather than sharing things from Bangladeshi culture. She felt that others in her workplace correlate her English fluency with her ability to do her job. For others born in the U.S., the language they speak at home influences their connection to their ethnic roots.

Balancing between individualistic and collective thinking

For some immigrant participants, the main differences between themselves and others who are seen as "truly American" were less about cultural differences, or how people behave, and more about differences in "mindset," or how people think. Those who identified strongly with their ethnicity discussed how their way of thinking is different from a "typical American." To some, the "American mentality" is more individualistic, with less judgment on what one should do or how they should act. One immigrant Japanese man, for example, talked about how other Japanese-origin co-workers in the U.S. would work without taking breaks because it's culturally inconsiderate to take a break while others continued working. However, he would speak up for himself and other workers when they are not taking any work breaks. He attributed this to his "American" way of thinking, which encourages people to stand up for themselves.

Some U.S.-born participants who grew up in an immigrant family described the cultural clashes that happened between themselves and their immigrant parents. Participants talked about how the second generation (children of immigrant parents) struggles to pursue their own dreams while still living up to the traditional expectations of their immigrant parents.

Discussions also highlighted differences about gender roles between growing up in America compared with elsewhere.

U.S. born have mixed ties to their family's heritage

How U.S.-born participants identify themselves depends on their familiarity with their own heritage, whom they are talking with, where they are when asked about their identity and what the answer is used for. Some mentioned that they have stronger ethnic ties because they are very familiar with their family's ethnic heritage. Others talked about how their eating habits and preferred dishes made them feel closer to their ethnic identity. For example, one Korean participant shared his journey of getting closer to his Korean heritage because of Korean food and customs. When some participants shared their reasons for feeling closer to their ethnic identity, they also expressed a strong sense of pride with their unique cultural and ethnic heritage.

Meanwhile, participants who were not familiar with their family's heritage showed less connection with their ethnic ties. One U.S.-born woman said she has a hard time calling herself Cambodian, as she is "not close to the Cambodian community." Participants with stronger ethnic ties talked about relating to their specific ethnic group more than the broader Asian group. Another woman noted that being Vietnamese is "more specific and unique than just being Asian" and said that she didn't feel she belonged with other Asians. Some participants also disliked being seen as or called "Asian," in part because they want to distinguish themselves from other Asian groups. For example, one Taiwanese woman introduces herself as Taiwanese when she can, because she had frequently been seen as Chinese.

Some in the focus groups described how their views of their own identities shifted as they grew older. For example, some U.S.-born and immigrant participants who came to the U.S. at younger ages described how their experiences in high school and the need to "fit in" were important in shaping their own identities. A Chinese woman put it this way:

Identity is influenced by birthplace

When talking about what it means to be "American," participants offered their own definitions. For some, "American" is associated with acquiring a distinct identity alongside their ethnic or racial backgrounds, rather than replacing them. One Indian participant put it this way:

Meanwhile, some U.S.-born participants view being American as central to their identity while also valuing the culture of their family's heritage.

Many immigrant participants associated the term "American" with immigration status or citizenship. One Taiwanese woman said she can't call herself American since she doesn't have a U.S. passport. Notably, U.S. citizenship is an important milestone for many immigrant participants, giving them a stronger sense of belonging and ultimately calling themselves American. A Bangladeshi participant shared that she hasn't received U.S. citizenship yet, and she would call herself American after she receives her U.S. passport.

Other participants gave an even narrower definition, saying only those born and raised in the United States are truly American. One Taiwanese woman mentioned that her son would be American since he was born, raised and educated in the U.S. She added that while she has U.S. citizenship, she didn't consider herself American since she didn't grow up in the U.S. This narrower definition has implications for belonging. Some immigrants in the groups said they could never become truly American since the way they express themselves is so different from those who were born and raised in the U.S. A Japanese woman pointed out that Japanese people "are still very intimidated by authorities," while those born and raised in America give their opinions without hesitation.

For others, American identity is about the process of 'becoming' culturally American

Immigrant participants also emphasized how their experiences and time living in America inform their views of being an "American." As a result, some started to see themselves as Americans after spending more than a decade in the U.S. One Taiwanese man considered himself an American since he knows more about the U.S. than Taiwan after living in the U.S. for over 52 years.

But for other immigrant participants, the process of "becoming" American is not about how long they have lived in the U.S., but rather how familiar they are with American culture and their ability to speak English with little to no accent. This is especially true for those whose first language is not English, as learning and speaking it without an accent can be a big challenge for some. One Bangladeshi participant shared that his pronunciation of "hot water" was very different from American English, resulting in confusions in communication. By contrast, those who were more confident in their English skills felt they can better understand American culture and values as a result, leading them to a stronger connection with an American identity.

This is how others see and treat me

During the focus group discussions about identity, a recurring theme emerged about the difference between how participants saw themselves and how others see them. When asked to elaborate on their experiences and their points of view, some participants shared experiences they had with people misidentifying their race or ethnicity. Others talked about their frustration with being labeled the "model minority." In all these discussions, participants shed light on the negative impacts that mistaken assumptions and labels had on their lives.

All people see is 'Asian'

For many, interactions with others (non-Asians and Asians alike) often required explaining their backgrounds, reacting to stereotypes, and for those from smaller origin groups in particular, correcting the misconception that being "Asian" means you come from one of the larger Asian ethnic groups. Several participants remarked that in their own experiences, when others think about Asians, they tend to think of someone who is Chinese. As one immigrant Filipino woman put it, "Interacting with [non-Asians in the U.S.], it's hard. ... Well, first, I look Spanish. I mean, I don't look Asian, so would you guess - it's like they have a vision of what an Asian [should] look like." Similarly, an immigrant Indonesian man remarked how Americans tended to see Asians primarily through their physical features, which not all Asian groups share.

Several participants also described how the tendency to view Asians as a monolithic group can be even more common in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, other participants described their own experiences trying to convince others that they are Asian or Asian American. This was a common experience among Southeast Asian participants.

The model minority myth and its impact

Across focus groups, immigrant and U.S.-born participants described the challenges of the seemingly positive stereotypes of Asians as intelligent, gifted in technical roles and hardworking. Participants often referred to this as the "model minority myth."

Many participants noted ways in which the model minority myth has been harmful. For some, expectations based on the myth didn't match their own experiences of coming from impoverished communities. Some also recalled experiences at school when they struggled to meet their teachers' expectations in math and science.

Some participants felt that even when being Asian worked in their favor in the job market, they encountered stereotypes that "Asians can do quality work with less compensation" or that "Asians would not complain about anything at work."

Others expressed frustration that people were placing them in the model minority box. One Indian woman put it this way:

Whether U.S. born or immigrants, Asians are often seen by others as foreigners

Across all focus groups, participants highlighted a common question they are asked in America when meeting people for the first time: "Where are you really from?" For participants, this question implied that people think they are "foreigners," even though they may be longtime residents or citizens of the United States or were born in the country. One man of Vietnamese origin shared his experience with strangers who assumed that he and his friends are North Korean. Perhaps even more hurtful, participants mentioned that this meant people had a preconceived notion of what an "American" is supposed to look like, sound like or act like. One Chinese woman said that White Americans treated people like herself as outsiders based on her skin color and appearance, even though she was raised in the U.S.

Many focus group participants also acknowledged the common stereotype of treating Asians as "forever foreigners." Some immigrant participants said they felt exhausted from constantly being asked this question by people even when they speak perfect English with no accent. During the discussion, a Korean immigrant man recalled that someone had said to him, "You speak English well, but where are you from?" One Filipino participant shared her experience during the first six months in the U.S.:

U.S.-born participants also talked about experiences when others asked where they are from. Many shared that they would not talk about their ethnic origin right away when answering such a question because it often led to misunderstandings and assumptions that they are immigrants.

"I always get that question of, you know, 'Where are you from?' and I'm like, 'I'm from America.' And then they're like, 'No. Where are you from-from?' and I'm like, 'Yeah, my family is from Pakistan,' so it's like I always had like that dual identity even though it's never attached to me because I am like, of Pakistani descent."

-U.S.-born man of Pakistani origin in early 20s

One Korean woman born in the U.S. said that once people know she is Korean, they ask even more offensive questions such as "Are you from North or South Korea?" or "Do you still eat dogs?"

In a similar situation, this U.S.-born Indian woman shared her responses:

Ignorance and misinformation about Asian identity can lead to contentious encounters

In some cases, ignorance and misinformation about Asians in the U.S. lead to inappropriate comments or questions and uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Participants shared their frustration when others asked about their country of origin, and they then had to explain their identity or correct misunderstandings or stereotypes about their background. At other times, some participants faced ignorant comments about their ethnicity, which sometimes led to more contentious encounters. For example, some Indian or Pakistani participants talked about the attacks or verbal abuse they experienced from others blaming them for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Others discussed the racial slurs directed toward them since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Some Japanese participants recalled their families losing everything and being incarcerated during World War II and the long-term effect it had on their lives.

This is what it means to be home in America

As focus group participants contemplated their identity during the discussions, many talked about their sense of belonging in America. Although some felt frustrated with people misunderstanding their ethnic heritage, they didn't take a negative view of life in America. Instead, many participants - both immigrant and U.S. born - took pride in their unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In these discussions, people gave their own definitions of America as a place with a diverse set of cultures, with their ethnic heritage being a part of it.

Taking pride in their unique cultures

Despite the challenges of adapting to life in America for immigrant participants or of navigating their dual cultural identity for U.S.-born ones, focus group participants called America their home. And while participants talked about their identities in different ways - ethnic identity, racial (Asian) identity, and being American - they take pride in their unique cultures. Many also expressed a strong sense of responsibility to give back or support their community, sharing their cultural heritage with others on their own terms.

Where home is

When asked about the definition of home, some immigrant participants said home is where their families are located. Immigrants in the focus groups came to the United States by various paths, whether through work opportunities, reuniting with family or seeking a safe haven as refugees. Along their journey, some received support from family members, their local community or other individuals, while others overcame challenges by themselves. Either way, they take pride in establishing their home in America and can feel hurt when someone tells them to "go back to your country." In response, one Laotian woman in her mid-40s said, "This is my home. My country. Go away."

'American' means to blend their unique cultural and ethnic heritage with that in the U.S.

Both U.S.-born and immigrant participants in the focus groups shared their experiences of navigating a dual cultural environment between their ethnic heritage and American culture. A common thread that emerged was that being Asian in America is a process of blending two or more identities as one.

About this project

Pew Research Center designed these focus groups to better understand how members of an ethnically diverse Asian population think about their place in America and life here. By including participants of different languages, immigration or refugee experiences, educational backgrounds, and income levels, this focus group study aimed to capture in people's own words what it means to be Asian in America. The discussions in these groups may or may not resonate with all Asians living in the United States. Browse excerpts from our focus groups with the interactive quote sorter below, view a video documentary focused on the topics discussed in the focus groups, or tell us your story of belonging in America via social media. The focus group project is part of a broader research project studying the diverse experiences of Asians living in the U.S.

Read sortable quotes from our focus groups

Browse excerpts in the interactive quote sorter from focus group participants in response to the question "What does it mean to be [Vietnamese, Thai, Sri Lankan, Hmong, etc.] like yourself in America?" This interactive allows you to sort quotes from focus group participants by ethnic origin, nativity (U.S. born or born in another country), gender and age.

Video documentary

Videos throughout the data essay illustrate what focus group participants discussed. Those recorded in these videos did not participate in the focus groups but were sampled to have similar demographic characteristics and thematically relevant stories.

Watch the full video documentary and watch additional shorter video clips related to the themes of this data essay.

Share the story of your family and your identity

Did the voices in this data essay resonate? Share your story of what it means to be Asian in America with @pewresearch.

Tell us your story by using the hashtag #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewidentity on Twitter, as well as #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewresearch on Instagram.

Methodological note

This cross-ethnic, comparative qualitative research project explores the identity, economic mobility, representation, and experiences of immigration and discrimination among the Asian population in the United States. The analysis is based on 66 focus groups we conducted virtually in the fall of 2021 and included 264 participants from across the U.S. More information about the groups and analysis can be found in this appendix.

Acknowledgments

Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. This data essay was funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation; the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the Henry Luce Foundation; The Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation; The Long Family Foundation; Lu-Hebert Fund; Gee Family Foundation; Joseph Cotchett; the Julian Abdey and Sabrina Moyle Charitable Fund; and Nanci Nishimura.

The accompanying video clips and video documentary were made possible by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from The Sobrato Family Foundation and The Long Family Foundation.

We would also like to thank the Leaders Forum for its thought leadership and valuable assistance in helping make this study possible. This is a collaborative effort based on the input and analysis of a number of individuals and experts at Pew Research Center and outside experts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In a Pew Research Center analysis based on dozens of focus groups, Asian American participants described navigating their own identity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Do We Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?

# data[].attributes.headline
Explore The Reality of Being Trans & Indian-American with Alok Vaid-Menon

# data[].attributes.subject
Explore The Reality of Being Trans & Indian-American with Alok Vaid-Menon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
local asian festival near me - Google Search

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
asian festivalasian festival. Home/; United ... An Evening with Local Filipino Authors and Historians primary image ... . Live music near me · 8. Job fair · 9.

# data[].attributes.headline
Stories from the Veterans History Project: Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American Veterans

# data[].attributes.subject
Stories from the Veterans History Project: Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American Veterans

# data[].attributes.body
The digital collection Asian Pacific Americans: Going for Broke highlights additional stories from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Asian Pacific Americans have made lasting contributions to America's wartime efforts. These eight stories are from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq, with special emphasis on the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the "Go for Broke" outfit of Japanese Americans who fought valiantly in Europe during World War II. Many of these men put their lives on the line for their country while their families were confined to internment camps back in the States.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Asian Pacific Americans: Going for Broke | Diverse Experiences in Service | Serving: Our Voices | Veterans History Project Collection | Digital Collections | Library of Congress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Asian Pacific Americans have made lasting contributions wartime efforts. These stories emphasizethe 442nd Regimental Combat Team (the Go for Broke outfit of Japanese Americans) who fought valiantly in Europe during these wars. Many of these men put their lives on the line for their country while their families were confined to internment camps back in the States.

# data[].attributes.headline
45 Best AAPI Films, Television, and Literature for Representation

# data[].attributes.subject
45 Best AAPI Films, Television, and Literature for Representation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A collection of some of our favorite AAPI multimedia content. (Photo Credit: PBS, Disney, IMBD, Amazon, A24)

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have long struggled for visibility and inclusion. Despite nearly two centuries of bringing rich history, culture, and contributions to American society, our narratives are often erased and misrepresented in mainstream media and literature.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC advocates for fair and equal representation of our communities in the media and beyond to ensure our perspectives are included and our voices are heard.
Harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about our communities, such as the "model minority" myth and the "perpetual foreigner," further contribute towards dehumanizing biases that fuel anti-Asian sentiments and discrimination. While we have recently seen an increase of Asian American representation both in front and behind the camera - as well as in literature - our communities remain underrepresented in the media, in our history books, and in literary works.

In commemoration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, we reached out to members from our community to compile a collection of some of our favorite Asian American and Pacific Islander films, series, and books. From recent releases, timeless classics, to family friendly content, our community shared the multimedia content that made them feel seen and represented for the first time or helped them learn something new about our complex history. As Heritage month comes to a close, we encourage all to continue learning, uplifting, and amplifying the voices of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

Recent Releases
Jenny Liu, Mis/disinformation Policy Analyst, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"I walked into Everything Everywhere All At Once not knowing what to expect. My favorite part of the movie was how unapologetically Asian American it was. I loved the code and language switching throughout, and I found myself nodding and laughing along to so many scenes ("I'm pretty sure my mom has said this exact phrase to me before," "wow, those noodles look delicious"). It was a wonderful (albeit chaotic) movie with so much heart and humor."

Kent Tong, Manager of Programs, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

"One of my favorite films from 2021 is one that most audiences probably hate - Malignant. From master horror director James Wan (Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring), and screenwriter Akela Cooper (Luke Cage), Malignant is an original horror that starts off very generically before going full bonkers in the best way possible. It has a wildly ambitious - and hilariously fun - twist at its core, filled with perfect needle drops, great sound design, and handsome production design. This is a film that's best viewed without knowing anything about it, which is why this review is so vague, but my best advice is to just go in without any expectations and simply enjoy the ride."

Tiffany W. Chang, Director, Community Engagement, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"The film meets the Asian American community now, at a dark and difficult time. Perhaps it serves as a welcome, albeit paltry, consolation prize to those, particularly of East Asian descent, for whom the jubilation of the Crazy Rich Asians era has since been eclipsed by images of violence against Asian Americans and immigrants amid the COVID-19 crisis. And it's all the more reason activists expected the film to be not only well-executed and commercially successful, but meticulous and forward-thinking in the way it depicts our community in 2021."

Other new releases to check out:
Check out our full blog post on Shang-Chi as a part of the "Milestones and Missed Cues" blog series.

From our digital community:
"THE BEST!!! Touching hearts of Chinese culture at its core in such a beautiful, dignified, and FUN way!"

Films that made us feel seen/represented for the first time
Joy De Guzman, Manager of Community Engagement, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"As a Filipino American, I am not a Pacific Islander but I felt so strongly represented in the Disney film Moana. Moana's relationship to her grandmother, values of family and community, the responsibility she felt for her family, and the way she found solace in the ocean were all things I had felt or experienced throughout my life. When I first watched the film, I remember feeling emotional because I knew future generations to come would have even more and better representation that reflects what our communities look like, our values, and our experiences."

Mary Tablante, Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing, NAPABA

"I love '90s and early 2000s movies as much as the next person, but it's no shocker that the majority of mainstream teen movies and romcoms were limited to white cast members. Enter 'The Debut' (2000) starring Dante Basco and an all-Filipino and Filipino American cast. A debut in Filipino culture is when a young woman celebrates her 18th birthday, and this is the event the movie is centered around - a party for Basco's sister's debut. The movie touches on themes such as not feeling connected to your cultural identity, the expectations of immigrant parents that are relatable to many Filipino Americans as well as children of immigrants as a whole. There's even a short scene that gives you an unexpected short summary of Asian American history - which I didn't notice until I rewatched it years later! It's also a fun movie to watch for the nostalgia factor. I wish the movie had been made more accessible to a wider audience at the time, but I believe that over time, more and more diverse stories about Filipino Americans get told as our voices get stronger and louder."

Palwasha Sharwani, Director of Operations, Emgage

"'Son of a Lion' was born out of the medical anthropological research of Australian writer, Benjamin Gilmour, from when he wrote a riveting chapter in 'Paramedico' about the Peshawar (Pakistan) hospital triage/ambulatory systems amid the start of the Afghan War - the ill fated 'War on Terror.' This is when terrorist attacks happened on an almost constant basis in the city and provinces. The story of this film is almost a documentary. My understanding is that there are no actors involved; these are real survivors of the Soviet & Afghan War. And it's these true life characters who drive the story through an organic process only achievable by fly-on-the-wall filmmaking. It's subtle, quiet, and deeply heartfelt."

Community Favorites
Laila Hasan, Mental Health Grant Coordinator, Asian Community & cultural Center

"Watching Mulan has become a tradition in my family. When my parents first immigrated to the United States with 8 young children, they received a VHS tape of the film. The movie presented a very interesting story with bits of culture and humor throughout the film. Growing up, Mulan was played after school, on movie nights, and in the background while we completed chores."

Yuemin He, Professor of English, Northern Virginia Community College

"Minari, a semi-autobiographical tale of the film director Lee Isaac Chung, is situated in the 1980s when a Korean American family moved from California to rural Arkansas. The parents, Jacob and Monica, struggle to make ends meet both through farming and Monica having to take a job sexing chickens. Monica's mother comes from South Korea to help, which also creates cultural issues within the family, esp. when one son suffers from a heart condition. The film shows in a touching manner the family's resilience in adjusting to new cultural rules, lifestyles and living environment. It reminds seasoned audiences of earlier Asian American films, such as Picture Bride, or early mainstream films, such as Places in the Heart. The theme remains that to survive and thrive as Americans, people must let their spirit prevail first and foremost."

Kent Tong, Manager of Programs, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

"Writer-director Lorene Scafaria's feminist crime film was a welcome surprise from 2019, based on a true story. The film depicts strippers at the turn of the 2008 financial crisis, drugging and scamming thousands of dollars from their Wall Street clients. Like any great crime film, we root for the criminals, which is hard not to do considering the level of talent involved. Jennifer Lopez gives us an Oscar-worthy performance as Ramona, the veteran stripper who initiates the idea to scam the rich guys. Constance Wu continues to showcase her talent as a dramatic actor after starring in the previous summer's hit film 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart round out the rest of the cast, providing most of the comic-relief. 'Hustlers' could have easily been a fun, but hollow caper in the vein of 'Ocean's 8', but it features emotional depth and empathy for these women who are simply just trying to survive."

Yuemin He, Professor of English, Northern Virginia Community College

"Bitter Melon focuses on a dysfunctional Filipino-American family who reunites for Christmas in the family home in San Francisco. The family is already fractured from a history of an estranged abusive father and an abusive second-oldest son, Troy, even as each of them also struggles to deal with their own individual devils. Although the film is comic and seeds the story and background with a rich variety of aspects of Filipino American culture, it dismantles stereotypes of the Filipino Americans as an affluent Asian American subgroup and the Asian American 'model minority' success; lying underneath the veneer of sumptuous and holiday spirit are unemployment, violence, and addiction, just as the surprising ending of the film conceals a secret that changes the understanding of everything the audiences think they just saw."

Documentaries
Yuemin He, Professor of English, Northern Virginia Community College

"The Donut King portrays Ted Ngoy's amazing life from a Cambodian Army major who fled the Khmer Rouge and came to America in poverty to his amazing rise to be a donut millionaire who helped fellow Cambodian refugees to rise to dominate the donut shop industry throughout California. The film also recreates the experiences of other Cambodian immigrants and the many networking experiences among varied immigrant groups with the tempting taste of donuts to boot. Its uplifting story of from-rags-to-riches vividly gives the American Dream an Asian American facelift. Meanwhile though, as Ngoy's life takes fascinating and unexpected turns, the film also reassures and reinforces the necessity of the little book that Benjamin Franklin used to fix his many little 'errata.'"

Kent Tong, Manager of Programs, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

"The Rescue is an incredibly thrilling documentary about the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue, in which 12 boys and their football coach were trapped for 18 days in the cave in Thailand. The film, from Academy Award-winning husband-and-wife team Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (Free Solo), is an incredibly gripping thriller featuring a story we know the ending to, yet it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film includes incredible never-before-seen footage, events most of the public may not have known about (I sure didn't), and interviews with the many people involved in the rescue. The Rescue is a testament to human ingenuity, bravery, resiliency, and hope."

Documentaries to learn about AAPI history
Candace Kita, Cultural Strategy Director, APANO

"PBS's 'Asian Americans' is a thoughtful, compelling documentary series on the history of Asians in America. It draws deep into a well of archival photos and videos, intimate stories of family and migration, and so much more. You can tell that the series was crafted with immense care and attention to detail, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to explore the history of Asians making their way and their voices heard in what is now called the United States. The series was initially launched for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2020 and remains necessary viewing today and into the future."

Kevin Hirano, Director of Operations and Development, APIAVote

"First Vote is a documentary about Asian American immigration, identity and voting rights featuring a critical race theory professor in the South, a Midwestern conservative podcaster casting his first vote for Trump, a progressive journalist confronting the rise of Asian American Trump supporters, and a tea party congressional candidate in North Carolina. The film speaks to the real diversity of political perspectives in our communities while making the case that regardless of our perspective our vote and participation is important."

Michelle, Policy Advocate, ACOM

"A history of COFA, why Medicaid coverage for COFA migrants was last, and how it was regained. Not many people understand our history and not many know the challenges we face. History relearned and future reimagined, we are coming to terms with our present. Navigating America's systems while holding on to our heritage is becoming more difficult. My family, friends, and relatives keep conversing about cultural preservation and redeeming our people from the generational grieving of losing land. Please watch, learn and conversate with us."

TV Series that made us feel seen/represented for the first time
Niloufar Hafizi, Civic Engagement Director, Emgage

"Never Have I Ever, a series made by AAPI writers, producers and actors, centers around the grief, trauma, and conflicts faced by Devi, the daughter of Indian immigrants. While her struggles are specific to her story - she suddenly lost her father and became paralyzed for a time afterward - her experiences are representative of the AAPI experience: an overly strict mother, family traditions and rules that separate her from her peers, her identity struggle as a religious minority, the sense that her body cannot, without alteration, belong.

"The decision by the Never Have I Ever Team that struck me, the AAPI daughter of a single mother, the most was the actor's decision to not remove her arm hair. Too often, standards of beauty center around whiteness and the non-visibility of women's body hair in a way that makes girls and women whose bodies do not conform feel stigmatized. When we grow up in a country where seeing people who look like us is not the norm, we feel our bodies are mistakes that belong where our parents came from, not where we are. This series' decision to freely acknowledge that women are mammals too, and some of us have visible arm hair, was revolutionary to me and the first time I felt represented."

Yuhuan Song, Anti-Hate Communications Coordinator, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"It's nice to see a show acknowledging and validating women's sexual desires, especially a South Asian British woman, at such an ancient time. It reminds me that women have always been whole human beings with needs and sexuality, and it is just that those desires were and still are oppressed by the white, male-dominated society, not nonexistent. Although the representation doesn't take place in an American society, it is universal across the board. Asian/American women out there, let's be proud that we are sexual beings, and asexuality should be accepted too!"

In-language Series
Vivin Qiang, Manager of Strategic Communications, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"'Light the Night' is a Taiwanese drama that interweaves love, friendship, deception, and a murder that captivates your attention right from the get-go. Set in 1980s Taipei, the series centers around hostesses at a Japanese nightclub as they navigate through life and relationships. The melodrama weaves in stories of trust, betrayal, and the right amount of suspense while transporting viewers between the past and the future. The authenticity and attention to detail in the drama were beautifully done, paired with a perfect blend of nostalgia, each episode left me yearning for more."

Vivin Qiang, Manager of Strategic Communications, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"If you are looking for a heartfelt, refreshing, and wholesome rom-com, 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' may just be the perfect fit. Unlike many K-dramas that are set in the global metropolis Seoul, this story unfolds in a sleepy beach town when Yoon Hye-jin, a dentist from the city, opens a local clinic. The series revolves around the lives of working-class Koreans, including an unconventional love story between two leads who are true to their feelings and not afraid to face their imperfections. If you're like me, you will also connect with the warmth and kindness of the local residents in Gongjin, whose stories will have you laughing and crying, often at the same time."

Other recommended series

From our digital community:
"Emotional and heartfelt look into the hopes and burdens passed down through generations, revealing storytelling of the Korean diaspora."

"A hauntingly beautiful reminder that our past is never truly past."

From our digital community:
"The kind of love that lasts a lifetime."

The first time I felt seen/represented in a book
Tiffany W. Chang, Director, Community Engagement, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"Charles Yu's Interior Chinatown, a boldly original novel written in the form of a screenplay - with sound effects and stage directions to boot - is both satirical and heartbreaking as an allegory for the Asian American immigrant experience. It is also the first fiction book I have ever read that talks about the ethnic/native Taiwanese experience during the White Terror era in post-WWII Taiwan. As an artist, the struggle of the main character in aspiring to self-actualize for a TV role for "Kung Fu Guy" while also combating stereotypes about Asian Americans was so relatable. But I also felt seen as a child of Taiwanese immigrants reading about this historical era and the types of hardship my parents witnessed growing up on the island during that time. I was laughing from cover to cover, but I was also profoundly moved."

Lin Crowley, Co-Chair, APIC South Puget Sound

"The book Fire Scar is documenting what have happened in San Jose City of California, where its Chinatown was burned in 1887. The narrative shared the contributions of Chinese Americans in building this country. The story of their endurance and persistence in the face of adversity was well told through the book. It is one of those historical fictions which I believe can help reach many readers across generations."

Danielle Wong, Digital Content and Strategy Associate, Advancing Justice - AAJC

"'Project Mulberry' was one of the first contemporary children's novels I read where I felt truly seen, heard and represented in the writing.⁣ Julia Song was me: an Asian American girl who constantly felt pressured by society to either renounce her culture or be seen as a perpetual foreigner (despite being born here) with no in-between. This book named the external and internalized racism I had felt so alone in battling, and celebrated the journey of embracing one's self in all its complexities.⁣ If 'Project Mulberry' existed, I thought, what else was out there and what is yet to come?"

Other recommended reads

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
45 Best AAPI Films, Television, and Literature for Representation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have long struggled for visibility and inclusion. Despite nearly two centuries of bringing rich history, culture, and contributions...

# data[].attributes.headline
Enter Bravespace: A Refuge for Contemplation, Grief, and Growth   

# data[].attributes.subject
Enter Bravespace: A Refuge for Contemplation, Grief, and Growth   

# data[].attributes.body
Bravespace is a compilation of original songs, sounds, and meditations created by Asian American women and non-binary artists and musicians.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A New Music Compilation for Meditation, Mindfulness, and Collective Healing

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn about the various identities within the AACHPI Community

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn about the various identities within the AACHPI Community

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Are You “AAPI” or “Asian American”? It's Complicated. | A People's History of Asian America

# data[].attributes.body
Identify and connect with AAPI Organizations, focusing on supporting the AAPI community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's never been easier to discover, access, and connect with organizations to accelerate the AAPI movement.

# data[].attributes.headline
Join our Inclusion Group: Asian Community Experience

# data[].attributes.subject
Join our Inclusion Group: Asian Community Experience

# data[].attributes.body
Email the DEI Team to join dei@chghealthcare.com

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn More via the Asian American Foundation AANHPI Heritage Month Toolkit

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn More via the Asian American Foundation AANHPI Heritage Month Toolkit

# data[].attributes.headline
Tattoo and Tapa: Reclaiming Pacific Symbols

# data[].attributes.subject
Tattoo and Tapa: Reclaiming Pacific Symbols

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tattoo and Tapa: Reclaiming Pacific Symbols | Frances C. Koya Vaka'uta | TEDxSuva

# data[].attributes.headline
Utah Employees - Volunteer for the Utah Asian Festival 

# data[].attributes.subject
Utah Employees - Volunteer for the Utah Asian Festival 

# data[].attributes.body
In this list, you'll find poets, journalists, novelists, essayists, and playwrights. Each of these writers has created influential work and they all bring their cultural knowledge and experiences to their writing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We're always looking to expand our reading options. May is a great time to add more titles from Asian American and Pacific Islander authors to our book club lists, library hold requests, and bookstore shopping carts! This is by no means an exhaustive or complete list, but we humbly suggest this selection of 10 AAPI authors. In this list, you'll find poets, journalists, novelists, essayists, and playwrights. Each of these writers has created influential work and they all bring their cultural knowledge and experiences to their writing. We can't wait to hear what you think, how many of these authors' books you've already read, and what other AAPI authors you recommend!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Influential Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A selection of 10 Asian American & Pacific Islander authors who wrote influential stories across genres of poetry, fiction, fantasy, memoir, and theater.