The Asian American X: an Intersection of 21st Century Asian American Voices - Book Report/Review Example

Summary of the Book Asian American X: An Intersection of 21st Century Asian American Voices, by Arar Han and John Hsu Introduction Asian American X: An Intersection of 21st Century Asian American Voices, shows that people are from different ethnic groups worldwide. Depending on the ration in a certain state, there are some ethnic groups that are more popular than others. They dominate certain areas because of their large population and diverseness. Sometimes, the largest ethnic groups in a certain place are not originally from that place. They may have migrated in large numbers from others places, settled in and repopulated. Since they migrated from other places, they are bound to repopulate in order to ensure the survival of their groups (Han, 56). In other cases, they come to have interracial marriages with the current and original individuals who occupy the place. Interracial marriages result in a new type of ethnic group being formed. For instance the case of an Asian becoming involved with an American. The result of such a cross is an Asian-American. Many have welcomed the rise of new ethnic groups formed from interracial marriages, while some have not. In America, there has been the rise of new ethnic groups, dating way back during the many migrations that occurred due to war (Han, 56). Han’s book is about the identity that people possess. Certain factors influence an individual’s identity, which may range from social, economic, political and other sociological factors. Many forms of ethnic identity revolve around the Asian Americans who live in America. The book generally talks about the major changes that the Asian American people have undergone over the recent years (Han, 70). There have been major differences between the generations that have been living in America. Before the present generation, the first generation had its way of doing things. This was because the level of assimilation at that time was not as intensified as it is now. The traditional methods of doing things, beliefs have all been phased out. The books talks about how the present Asian American people have become more educated than their past relatives. Asian American X: An Intersection of 21st Century Asian American Voices, shows readers how different forms and factors of assimilation lead to different outcomes. There are assimilations in terms of structural behavior and acculturation. From the book, acculturation is viewed as the acceptance of beliefs, norms, behavior and values of the society that one is entering (Han, 67).Certain forms of acceptance include learning the language, conforming to culture and registering as an American citizen. Some choose to retain their Asian cultures and ways of life, but this is done while still trying to become assimilated into the American society. In order for complete immersion into the American culture, there needs to be a total removal of the Asian culture and modes of living that the Asian Americans have. From the book, another major assimilation is the structural assimilation, where Asian Americans become integrated into the political, economic and cultural modes of the society. They come to participate into society fully. Activities that occur into the society are inclusive to them (Han, 89). The book goes on to show how they come to attain economic and social stability. They come to attain certain occupation and are integrated into the society. They become treated like equal members of the community. Throughout the passage of time, come groups learnt to assimilate themselves faster than others. This was mostly caused by racial differences. Discrimination and prejudices were experienced by the immigrants, but that did not make them unable to integrate into the American way of life (Han, 103). In fact, they were able to integrate more easily and quickly. Take for instance the case of the white immigrants, who faced discrimination and prejudice from all sectors. This did not prevent them from integrating themselves quickly and easily into the American way of life. From the book, it can be seen that the White immigrants bonded with the non-white immigrants. It is from here that there came a rise of other ethnic groups. The economy was a factor that brought about another hitch in the assimilation in that; in times of economic success, there were a lot of economic opportunities that everyone could indulge in. When it came to economic difficulties, there was more economic competition and this brought about a rising hostility towards the immigrants and the minority groups who became known as a threat to the economy. When it comes to such a situation, these groups who are in the same economic status are likely to be against each other, each seeing the other as a threat (Han, 56). This is because they are in the competition for the similar communal and economic assets. Throughout Asian American X: An Intersection of 21st Century Asian American Voices,, there is the showing of how class differences in terms of jobs, education, and proficiency in language speaking. Those who have an advantage of the three or at least one of them have the upper hand of achieving social, political and economic success in their new found state. In conclusion to the book, the assimilation of the Asian American people is influenced by their willingness to become more involved into the American way of life (Han, 133). References Han, A. (2004). Asian American X: An intersection of 21st century Asian American voices. Ann Arbor, Mich: Univ. of Michigan Press. Read More