Civic Engagement of Asian American Student Leaders

Civic Engagement of Asian American Student Leaders explores the civic lives of Asian American youth and provides a counter-narrative to the portrayal of Asian Americans as apolitical. The book illustrates that their challenging racialized experiences inspired their civic involvement, creating empowerment in asserting their ethnic identity, imbibing leadership qualities, and subverting stereotypes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Civic Engagement of Asian American Student Leaders is a groundbreaking exploration that delves into the civic lives of Asian American youth, providing a comprehensive analysis of their civic engagement through in-depth interviews with 15 student leaders from a prestigious university in Southeast Texas. This book offers a compelling counter-narrative to the prevalent portrayal of Asian Americans as apolitical and less interested in civic matters. This perception stems from the stereotypical characterization of Asian Americans as the "model minority," who are primarily focused on economic success and socially and economically integrated into American society. However, the narratives crafted by Wui and White reveal that the challenging racialized experiences of these student leaders have been the driving force behind their active civic involvement.

Through their stories, the student leaders demonstrate how their civic engagement empowers them in various ways. It enables them to assert their ethnic identity, cultivate leadership qualities, develop a long-term commitment to civic engagement, and challenge stereotypes against Asian Americans. This book paints a more diverse and nuanced picture of Asian American youth civic engagement, challenging the notion that it is solely anchored in ethnic identity or non-political involvement.

Wui and White's hope is that the narratives presented in this book will shed valuable light on the civic commitments of Asian Americans to American society, particularly in the current context of increased bias and racial prejudice. By highlighting the experiences and perspectives of these student leaders, the book aims to contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society where all individuals, regardless of race, can actively participate in shaping the future of their communities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666903553