Latinos and Asian Americans, usually referred to as “new immigrants,” occupy a central position in American history. Efforts to ensure interracial cooperation between Latinos and Asian Americans supported Judy Chu’s council movement, which mirrored the struggle to eradicate racialized privileges and hierarchy (Saito 125). Asian Americans and Latino were forced into similar locations and occupations by the “politics of prejudice.” As a result of these circumstances, the two groups were left with no choice but to face the dilemma between the universal inclusion promise and the execution of racial exclusion in the United States. Racial exclusion created affinities among communities that had previously considered themselves enemies as they scrambled for resources. The shared struggle gave birth to modern community activists who structured powerful coalitions in labor and politics. Factors such as political awareness and government policies contributed to the development of interracial ties between Asians and Latinos.
Over history, Latinos and Asian Americans needed to work, raise families, and live like other Americans. However, their efforts were stifled by racial prejudice that limited their occupational choices and other life aspects. Their politicization was deemed as a threat to social, political, and economic equality. To Asian Americans and Latinos, racial identities were not merely holidays and ethnic foods but had substantial results (Saito 126). This self-awareness regarding the importance of race created a basis for establishing effective ties between racial minorities. The notion that they were racialized minorities altered the contexts for relations among the groups.
The multi-racial coalitions between Latinos and Asian Americans were considerably enhanced when similar class and racial positions developed. Shared situations and concerns were created by the cruel realities and forms of discrimination that emerged. The most fundamental problems were political disenfranchisement, low wages, and poor labor conditions in the sector of agriculture. In the 1990s, labor unions played an integral part in establishing the cooperation between Asian Americans and Latinos. As stated by Saito, “Asians and Latinos have been the major source of the seasonal labor force throughout the history of agriculture in the state” (128). Working with Mexicans in the same fields, these communities overcome linguistic barriers and pressed for decent wages. Understanding their subordinate position in the United States played a leading role in establishing a common ground based on the same objectives.
Notably, divisions along racial lines have existed for many years. In 1991, testimony was submitted to the assembly committee citing employment prejudice in Alhambra. During that year, “the United States Justice Department sued the city of Alhambra and its Fire and Police Departments with charges of employment discrimination against minorities” (Saito 163). Furthermore, redistricting awareness campaigns were held to emphasize the intricate relationship between funds and politics and group officials’ need to receive their fair share of funds. In April 1991, a significant fund-raising occasion was planned by the San Gabriel Valley group. In addition to the fund-raising, this event was to bring together different ethnic minority groups and enlighten the society on the redistricting process.
Redistricting and reappointment throughout the United States’ history had been a reflection of the significance of race. For instance, white political leaders represented the predominant white constituencies and would manipulate political boundaries to create their desirable districts. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act provided a profitable solution to the political disenfranchisement of ethnic minority communities. In that regard, the Voting Rights Act is considered a significant government policy that positively impacted ethnic and racial identities.
The federal government provided a legal structure establishing a basis for the enfranchisement of ethnic and racial minority groups. However, this framework’s interpretation and implementation had been “affected by conditions at the state and local levels” (Saito 158). The related cases and the significant amount of materials required for redistricting process have substantially inspired interracial and pan-ethnic alliances. Moreover, the interpretation of the act by the Supreme Court promoted pan-ethnicity by implementing policies concerning political cohesiveness and population size.
For centuries, political leaders had divided regional concentrations of ethnic and racial groups into several districts. This action is one of the factors that diluted their political influence. From 1980 to 1992, Asian Americans were not included in the state legislature, which comprised 120 members. Saito argued that “redistricting was a key issue for Asian Africans, who have experienced extreme fragmentation under previous plans” (159). The Voting Rights Act provided a foundation for collective action, and, as such, Asian Americans and Latinos established regional and state-wide groups to voice their concerns.
In summary, Latinos and Asian Americans constitute the country’s most significant immigrant populations. In the past, these two groups established a solid alliance to confront racial exclusion in the United States. In addition to their shared past experiences as ethnic minorities, these pan-ethnic groups are characterized by internal distinctiveness. Their class, nationality, religion, language, nationality, and other factors vary to a great extent. The implemented government policies have impacted the development of ethnic and racial identities among these minority groups. However, according to Saito, racial discrimination has not entirely disappeared. It is only the forms of racial prejudice and ways of supporting the “white privilege” that changed.
Work Cited
Saito, Leland T. Race and Politics: Asian Americans, Latinos, and Whites in a Los Angeles Suburb. U of Illinois P, 1998.