Week 2- Elaine Hong

In Evelyn Hu-Dehart's, "Asian American Formations in the Age of Globalization," Dehart discusses the different transnational backgrounds of Asian Americans from different generations. She sees that older generations represent an Asian America that wants to be acknowledged and included as American; whereas the new generation of Asian Americans see themselves on a more global perspective. They seek to embody an "ethnic nationalistic" view of themselves, a bridge between America and Asia.

I believe that in order for the Asian American identity to grow and evolve, there needs to be a widening of perspectives. A globalist approach involving foreign policy, foreign economics, and foreign culture will allow room for the Pan Asian American identity to progress. This new perspective may help others, especially second generations and later, to better understand their identity. There may be a chance for ethnic nationalism to exist because various multicultural generations are emerging.

Question: Ethnic nationalism can exist through upper middle class Asian Americans who become success stories, such as Gary Locke. What about those who are part of the lower working class who  are not quite successful to that extent but still play an important role in America. For them, will ethnic nationalism exist? If not, what can? How can people who come from less fortunate backgrounds rise above capitalism and achieve that identity?