Spring Break
Asian American Awareness Month raises concern of under-representation in the UIC community
Whitney Paige Green
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Features
Many people are unaware of the fact that, at UIC, April is Asian American Awareness Month. However, the goals of AAAM reflect the need for an increased appreciation for the struggles, the successes, and the overall spirit of the Asian American community - at UIC and across the country.
One of the central concerns that Asian American students have regarding the way they are perceived by other people is "invisibility." But, one might ask, why would Asian Americans feel invisible on a campus like UIC, when they represent anywhere from 20 to 25 percent of the student body?
That question does not yield a simple answer. There are many issues - both inside and outside the Asian American community - that contribute to the current state of affairs.
First of all, it is interesting to note that the Asian American Studies department is the newest ethnic studies department at UIC.
This recent development of an Asian American studies program is not unique. All across the US, Asian American students and faculty have been pushing to establish a stronger presence within the LAS community - especially in regards to disciplines such as sociology and history. Other ethnic programs came into being much earlier at UIC, such as the African American Studies Department, created in 1971, and the Latin American and Latino Studies Department, created in 1972. Native American Studies and Jewish Studies both offer minors, while the Asian American Studies Department has yet to offer any sort of degree.
Karen Su, associate professor of English and the director of the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center said, "Generally there needs to be more awareness raised at universities in terms of the value of Asian American Studies, and that it really is an integral part of being able to understand the United States."
The creation of a degree in any discipline requires more faculty members and despite efforts in the last few years, there still aren't enough resources at UIC to allow for a degree. However, the future is hopeful. As of last semester, there are now seven professors teaching Asian American Studies courses at UIC; and there is a new AAS coordinator, appointed last November.
One of the central concerns that Asian American students have regarding the way they are perceived by other people is "invisibility." But, one might ask, why would Asian Americans feel invisible on a campus like UIC, when they represent anywhere from 20 to 25 percent of the student body?
That question does not yield a simple answer. There are many issues - both inside and outside the Asian American community - that contribute to the current state of affairs.
First of all, it is interesting to note that the Asian American Studies department is the newest ethnic studies department at UIC.
This recent development of an Asian American studies program is not unique. All across the US, Asian American students and faculty have been pushing to establish a stronger presence within the LAS community - especially in regards to disciplines such as sociology and history. Other ethnic programs came into being much earlier at UIC, such as the African American Studies Department, created in 1971, and the Latin American and Latino Studies Department, created in 1972. Native American Studies and Jewish Studies both offer minors, while the Asian American Studies Department has yet to offer any sort of degree.
Karen Su, associate professor of English and the director of the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center said, "Generally there needs to be more awareness raised at universities in terms of the value of Asian American Studies, and that it really is an integral part of being able to understand the United States."
The creation of a degree in any discipline requires more faculty members and despite efforts in the last few years, there still aren't enough resources at UIC to allow for a degree. However, the future is hopeful. As of last semester, there are now seven professors teaching Asian American Studies courses at UIC; and there is a new AAS coordinator, appointed last November.
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