Asian American Representation in Politics
By: Remi Shirayanagi
Throughout this past week, as I completed the onboarding process for my internship at ARCC, I learned about many perspectives and facets of Anti-Racism. I listened to many episodes of the ARCC’s podcast, entitled “The ARCC of Change.” The episode about Anti-Racism in the Asian American Community resonated with me. The episode was about the history of Asian Americans and the racism that they have faced, ongoing struggles such as the model minority myth and Anti-Asian hate, and Asian-Americans as Anti-Racists.
As Donzel mentioned the names of influential Asian American politicians such as Kamala Harris and Tammy Duckworth, I began to think about Asian American representation in politics. Despite these prominent figures, Asian Americans remain underrepresented in political offices. Although Asian Americans make up around 6.1% of the American population, a 2021 report from the Reflect Democracy Campaign reveals that AAPI members make up 0.9 percent of elected leaders across all levels of government. This underrepresentation is rooted in historical exclusions and ongoing stereotypes, such as the aforementioned model minority myth, which can obscure the unique challenges faced by the community.
While significant progress has been made, many hurdles clearly remain to be overcome. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S., yet their political representation does not reflect this growth. This disparity underscores the need for more inclusive policies and the importance of encouraging Asian Americans to run for office.
Moreover, the role of Asian American politicians is crucial not just in representing their communities, but also in advocating for anti-racist policies that benefit all marginalized groups. By holding office, Asian American leaders can bring diverse perspectives to the forefront, challenge systemic biases, and promote equity and justice.
I am excited about my internship at ARCC this summer and look forward to contributing to the important work of advocating for racial equity. This experience will undoubtedly deepen my understanding and commitment to anti-racism, and I am eager to be part of a movement that strives for justice and representation for all communities.
