Myth-Busting, Major Research on Chinese Americans: Release, Briefing

WHAT:

Newswise — The University of Maryland will hold a media briefing to release surprising economic, educational and related findings from the most comprehensive and current profile of Chinese Americans.

Based on extensive census data and personal interviews, the report challenges some widely help stereotypes about Chinese American success, especially with regard to educational and professional achievement - the so-called "model minority myth." The report offers policy recommendations based on the findings.

Researchers from the University of Maryland's Asian American Studies Program conducted the research with funding and assistance from OCA, the nation's largest Chinese American community organization. Both organizations will make presentations at the briefing and answer questions.

The study, two-years in the making, offers a complete profile of Chinese Americans' socio-economic standing, educational achievements, higher education and employment patterns, levels of civic engagement, and more.

Chinese Americans represent the largest portion of the Asian American population, roughly 25 percent. They are also the fastest growing immigrant group in the nation.

"As with most stereotypes, some popular beliefs about Chinese Americans simply don't withstand intensive research findings," says University of Maryland demographer and sociologist Larry H. Shinagawa, the principal investigator and director of the University of Maryland's Asian American Studies Program. "The diversity we found was surprising and points to social problems that need to be addressed." http://www.aast.umd.edu/director.html

The Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland is one of only two Census Information Centers in the nation focusing on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the only one on the East Coast. The program offers students the opportunity to study critically the experiences of Asian Americans through an interdisciplinary approach. More online: http://www.aast.umd.edu/

Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA is engaged in organizing its more than 80 chapters and college affiliates across the nation to develop both leadership and community involvement in all parts of the country. More online: http://www.ocanational.org/

WHO:

Larry H. Shinagawa: principal investigator, director, University of Maryland Asian American Studies Program, associate professor of American Studies. For the past 30 years, Shinagawa has been involved in the fields of sociology, American Studies, multicultural education, ethnic studies, and Asian American Studies. http://www.aast.umd.edu/director.html

Ginny Gong: OCA national president. She serves on a number of boards and commissions and is a frequently requested speaker. She is also the host of a weekly television talk show, "Ginny's"¦ Where East Meets West," which is entering its tenth year. http://www.ggcommunications.net/

Michael C. Lin: OCA executive director. Among his various leadership capacities, Lin served for four years as the OCA national president (1995 - 1998). He recently retired from the National Institutes of Health as a program director where his responsibilities included nurturing and funding cutting edge research in the cardiovascular field. http://www.ocanational.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=45

WHEN:

Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Zenger Room, National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC