Asians Urge Political Action

Asian-Americans must learn to be more outspoken, both in politics and in the community, according to three panelists at the John F. Kennedy School of Government last night.

In a forum entitled "Toward a New Diversity: The Future of Asian-Americans in Politics," Tony Lam, a city councilor from Westminster, CA, said that there "exists an attitude of isolationism, continuing our fragmentation as Asian-Americans."

Lam was joined on the panel by Gloria M. Ochoa, the Democratic nominee to the 22nd Congressional District of California, and Patricia F. Saiki, head of the United States Small Business Association.

"The very fact that Asian-Americans are fractured does not allow us to speak as one voice," Saiki told the audience of approximately 200. "Blacks have been able to coalesce together and speak as one voice. Asian-Americans have not been able to do the same because of cultural diversity."

Saiki cited this "cultural diversity" as one of the reasons why no Asian-Americans were assigned to top positions in Clinton's administration. "I commend [President Clinton] for the diversity he has brought for Blacks, Hispanics and women, but I see no Asian-Americans," Saiki said.

Ochoa, like Saiki, was critical of the situation confronting Asian-Americans. "We are a fast-growing population in numbers, economically successful, highly-educated, and, as a class, able to transcend barriers at the local level," Ochoa said.

"But we need to focus," she said. Ochoa agreed with Lam and Saiki that Asian-Americans must learn to "get beyond our diversity."

Ochoa also said she hoped Asian-Americans would learn to "take money out of their pockets and give con- listently [to political causes]." She said that professionals,' doctors and businesspeople living in the district she represents are particularly reluctant to become politically active.

"Professionals don't think that politics has anything to do with their professions," Ochos said. "We, therefore, need to teach Asian-Americans how to give."

Ochos said she hopes that young Asian-Americans are yearning to learn more about their communities. She concluded her opening statements by saying. "The future of politics rests in your hands. It requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice, but if you have a golden mine, then you have to make that sacrifice. It is not going to be easy, but it can be done."

Saiki added to her opening statements by arguing that Asian-Americans are stereotyped by other ethnic groups as "thoughtful." She said that "there is a reticence on the part of Asians, and a belief that it is better to be seen and not heard."

Saiki also said that young Asian-Americans can be the ones to break through that stereotype by learning to verbalize. "People can afford to ignore [Asian-Americans], because we don't rumble. We always say "Tomorrow is our day," Saiki said.

Lam concluded the forum by issuing an appeal to Harvard's Asian-American community.

"I see the brightest of the bright from our community here at Harvard, people who have ascended to the very pinnacle of education," Lam said. "I hope some of you take this education back to your community.

"Professionals don't think that politics has anything to do with their professions," Ochos said. "We, therefore, need to teach Asian-Americans how to give."

Ochos said she hopes that young Asian-Americans are yearning to learn more about their communities. She concluded her opening statements by saying. "The future of politics rests in your hands. It requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice, but if you have a golden mine, then you have to make that sacrifice. It is not going to be easy, but it can be done."

Saiki added to her opening statements by arguing that Asian-Americans are stereotyped by other ethnic groups as "thoughtful." She said that "there is a reticence on the part of Asians, and a belief that it is better to be seen and not heard."

Saiki also said that young Asian-Americans can be the ones to break through that stereotype by learning to verbalize. "People can afford to ignore [Asian-Americans], because we don't rumble. We always say "Tomorrow is our day," Saiki said.

Lam concluded the forum by issuing an appeal to Harvard's Asian-American community.

"I see the brightest of the bright from our community here at Harvard, people who have ascended to the very pinnacle of education," Lam said. "I hope some of you take this education back to your community.