Sensitivities and Considerations: AANHPI Populations
At LáLew, we prioritize continuous learning and growth, both as a team and individually. We regularly seek insights from experts in various fields. Recently, we had the honor of learning from our own team member, Wren Heron, about sensitivities and considerations for AANHPI populations. Wren's insightful, educational presentation covered names and acronyms, flashpoints in history, stereotypes, issues with data, intersectionality, and resources.
In sharing with us, Wren emphasized a few key takeaways that are valuable in both personal and professional contexts. Below, we share these takeaways with the hope that they are beneficial to others wishing to remain up-to-date, educated, and respectful toward all AANHPI populations.
Takeaways:
AANHPI is the most current acronym used for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations. However, it is still important to recognize the fraught history between Native and Indigenous Hawaiian populations and other Asian populations in the context of plantations, labor, displacement, and land claims. To understand these dynamics, it is essential to recognize the common threads of violence, war, and colonization within AANHPI history.
When referring to the relocation of Japanese Americans during WWII, many Japanese American organizations and the AP Style Guide discourage the use of the word "internment." Instead, they use the word "incarceration," as it more accurately reflects Japanese Americans’ experiences and the severity of the U.S. government's forced relocation policies.
Aggregated data often uses the general term "Asian," ignoring the nuances and complexities of different ethnic groups. The US Census Bureau recognizes at least 22 distinct AANHPI groups, and distinguishing between them is crucial for accurate representation. Data aggregation perpetuates disadvantages and harm against Asian American populations. Therefore, disaggregating data is essential for meaningful and precise calls for change.
In order to talk about Asian American media representation, narratives, tropes, and stereotypes, it is crucial to first have an understanding of Asian American history. Being informed about the past is essential to taking part in discourse surrounding Asian Americans in the media.
Asian American history is vast, nuanced and complex. For anyone looking to learn more on the topic, Wren has recommended a few resources:
The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee
Asian Americans and the Media by Kent A. Ono and Vincent N. Pham
Organizations such as The 1882 Foundation, the Densho Digital Repository, and the South Asian American Digital Archive
Wren’s very own Instagram account, @spotlightonasianamerica.
Wren’s valuable insights allowed our team to consider AANHPI populations and their nuanced history in relation to our lives and work. We intend to use the understanding we have gotten from his presentation to properly engage with the Asian American community and act intentionally in our work with brands and companies.
Thank you, Wren!
