E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Christian Gooden / AP file
Ying Zhou, originally from China, waves to well-wishers after receiving her certificate of citizenship on April 25. A new Pew report says Asian Americans are more satisfied than the general public with their own lives.
Asian-Americans, the fastest-growing racial group in the country, are more satisfied than the general public with their own lives and the nation’s direction, a new national survey finds.
The Pew Research Center survey and accompanying report says Asian-Americans now make up 5.8 percent of the nation’s population, up from less than 1 percent in 1965, when the modern immigration wave from Asia began.
Asians recently passed Hispanics as the largest group of new immigrants to the U.S. In 2010, 36 percent of new immigrants to the U.S. were Asian, up from 19 percent in 2000, according to Census figures.
The Pew report, titled “The Rise of Asian Americans,” finds that Asians are the highest-income and best-educated racial group in the U.S. Nearly half (49 percent) of Asian-American adults have a college degree, and they boast a median annual household income of $66,000 (versus the U.S. median of $49,800).
The survey says Asian-Americans are more satisfied than the general public with their lives overall (82 percent vs. 75 percent), their personal finances (51 percent vs. 35 percent) and the general direction of the country (43 percent vs. 21 percent).
Asians recently passed Hispanics as the largest group of new immigrants to the United States. In 2010, 36 percent of new immigrants to the U.S. were Asian, up from 19 percent in 2000, according to Census figures. NBC's Mike Taibbi reports.
Video: Asian Americans an untapped voter group?
On a wide range of dimensions, Asian-Americans say conditions in the U.S. are better than those in their country of origin; a large majority say if they had to do it all over again they would still come to America.
The survey is based on telephone interviews with 3,511 Asians ages 18 and older living in the United States. The interviews were conducted from Jan. 3 to March 27, in English and seven Asian languages. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.4 percentage points
You can read the full report here.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News:
Leave a Comment:
Well could it be due to the fact that Asians treasure their children, value education, learn from and honor their ancestors, demonstrate an incredible work ethic, believe in and practice courtesy and correct social behaviors, manage their finances carefully and conservatively, and wisely watch thier diet and health? Having worked in the public sector for some time, as well as traveled widely each of these things can be easily seen, and sadly very few of them are practiced by our other minorities, and by some minorites virtually none of these are ever seen...We are lucky to have immigrants with these values and successes.
So, just minorities? Do you not understand that whites are not exactly the poster child for treasuring their children, valuing education, learning from and honoring their ancestors, demonstrating and incredible work ethic, and believing in and practicing courtesy and correct social behaviors, managing their finances carefully and conservatively, and wisely watching their diet and health? Why are you singling out minorities as if whites don't do those things?
Also, saying "our minorities" makes it sound like you think they belong to you. As if minorities are not only your property but also not included in "our." Meaning, they are minorities and you (whites) are Americans. If you consider minorities Americans then saying our minorities doesn't make sense. Do you think they belong to you? If you do then that sentenced makes complete sense. Though, it does make you a huge dick.
"Our minorities" makes complete sense if you consider minorities Americans. "Our" refers to "them" belonging to a group/set of people considered a minority in America (or shall I say the USA so we don't forget we aren't the only America). It doesn't mean or imply Jack thinks he owns them. Maybe another context can help illustrate this: "Our boys did us real proud today in the baseball game, John." Let's say who uttered that was the Coach of a baseball team to his assistant. He isn't saying he owns the boys, but instead he is referring to them as a part of a group, (ie their baseball team).
Don't be so sensitive.
Asians achieve more than Whites, but you use this article as a tool to bash "other minorities."
Replace the Bolded Part with: Most Other Americans. This should clear up the fuss, and be spot on. Jack has a good point.
rukiddingmedude,
That would be completely true if you looked at his comment out of context. I should have been more clear that the term "our" doesn't always imply ownership, as you point out, but the fact is that Jack is not seeing "minorities" as Americans. Yes, you can argue, that is my interpretation, but when he goes out of his way to bash minorities as if they are the only group in America who causes problems, he is setting the tone of us vs. them. Thus, using "our minorities" sounds like they are not part of the American group, and that they belong to Americans.
The US is becoming a collection of minority groups. Whites are approaching a point where they will no longer be a "majority" but only the largest minority. I appreciate the work ethic of the Asians and have witnessed it first hand, I just wish some of the other groups, including the whites, showed their drive for success and their sense of right and wrong. Every group has it bad "apples" but the Asians can be used as an example for the some of the rest of us.
I'm white, and do not care if I become a minority. Unlike blacks, whites don't give a sh*t. As long as I have a job, and live a healthy life, I have no reason to spend my life whining about being a minority, unlike the Afro community. All they do is whine and cry about being treated different, and slavery. I get tired of hearing about it. Get over it! As a white minority, I am proud of my country and my heritage. I am proud of the few blacks who have become successful and didn't buy into the ideology that the white man is holding them back. No one forces you to live in the projects except the government for letting you do so.
There haven't been slaves in this country for over 150 years. There is no one alive that ever even saw a slave, much less knew one. It is time for the blacks to quit the whining, clean up their act, find out who the baby daddy is, get off welfare and get a damn job.
Thought the story was about Asian successes in the USA. Don't see any blacks here whinging about slavery or any thing in the story about anyone living in projects, baby daddies, or on the dole. "I am proud of the few blacks who have become successful"--somehow I doubt you believe this. Only whinging is coming from attention-seeking people like you.
I can totally understand this mindset. Asians aren't hung up on politics, and they aren't in other people's business. Unlike others (neocons/ teabaggers/evantailban/pro-lifers) they don't care too much about what others do with their bodies or lives or that of other children.
You are talking out of your rear end. Asian-Americans are more of deep thinkers before engaging in politics. The majority choose the party that identifies and relates to their values. That is why the majority of them are registered Republicans or conservatives. They are not the kind of people who would call you names - insult you and wish you were dead if you disagree with them. They have respect for opposing opinions.
Actually, sailor, Asians are the most likely group to be liberal or Democratic leaning:
You're entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts, as they say.
Sailor, not the facts. Sorry.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77566.html#ixzz1yF3sDXNW
Theonly Asian Republicans I know of are billionaires but they are still pro-choice. They just like the tax cuts the GOP keeps on giving them. The rest are pretty much well educated and liberal minded.
"Oh my God" are you saying that Asian Americans are educated,make allot of money and happy? That must mean in, Obama's America, we should all hate them.Rich , i wonder if they pay their share of taxes, we should tax them more and give it to the Lazies.They must be up there with the one per centers.
What this story failed to tell you is they are also 65 to 70% Republican, hell they might even be the dreaded "Tea Baggers".
I noticed they only considered different *racial* groups. But if you consider different *ethnic* groups, I can think of one that might edge out Asians, and that's the Amish.
Interesting to note that the Amish also happen to place a nigh value on work ethic, frugal living, and family relationships. Anyone see a pattern here?
Good point, although the Amish, being an agrarian society, are not "thoroughly immersed" in education, so to say in a benign way, as the Asian population seems to be. Most Amish do not educate past, what we would mark as, eighth grade level. However, you make a very good point: self-respect and respect for others.
The platitudes are a bit askew. First, the Asians rarely assimilate. They live in their own communities, overwhelm the school districts and emphasize secrecy. So many homes in the Asian/Chinese section of LA, i.e. Monterrey Park, Arcadia, Temple City, etc are simply shell houses or safe houses for rent. They are SFR which are gutted on the inside to allow for four to six tenants per room and also in the garage. The rate varies from eith to ten dollars a day, all cash and never reported as income by the owners who have a boss man in charge to keep order and collect money. This is in direct violation of public health laws, sanitation, zoning laws and how many illegals are housed there, no one knows. The Asians do not assimilate because the authorities might catch on to their game. Money is the game, obsession with money and wealth is the Asian way. Their monies are stored in Chinese/Asian banks, rarely interspersed into the US economy via real estate sales, with an all Asian broker/Realtors, business which cater only to are financed by local banks and the infamous Godfathers who charge the higher interest rates to those who may not find a bank loan plausible. They came to colonize, not integrate. Look closer before you exalt the platitudes of the East for it is founded on hierarchy, and a system of caste. Without the hierarchy they are helpless to act on their own. Courtesy is based on that principle. Come to China and see how they treat each other and you will quickly change your mind. Their business ethics are based on profit, cost cutting without admitting it, and manufacturing flaws that are deliberate. Trustworthy in those matters, they are not!
whoa.
First off, we aren't Asian-Americans, we're Americans, period. I object to the author of this article calling us that.
Now, as to your post:
We rarely assimilate? There are USCs of Asian heritage at all levels of government, commerce and business, healthcare, education, and military. Granted, there aren't many of us in the military, but that's partly because the majority of us just want to leave well enough alone, and also partly because the military itself is stuck in the 'good old boys' ideology and USCsof Asian heritage are subject to an incredible amount of prejudice and we don't rise through ranks as fast as whites and blacks and Latinos do.
They live in their own communities because there are still people who don't like them. Thankfully fewer, as time goes on, but racial memory is strong and some of the older vets, from the WWII era, still haven't forgiven Asians for the Pearl Harbor attacks, for Vietnam, for Korea.
However, you also have to look at it from our side too; we haven't forgotten Manzanar, or the old miscegenation laws that prevailed from the 1890's till the 1960's prohibiting Chinese/Asian immigration, prohibiting USCs of Asian heritage from owning land, marrying whites. We haven't forgotten you called us the 'yellow peril' and howled for the government to stop allowing us to emigrate because those of us who were brought over as indentured servants or slaves to work on the railroads were going to 'take over' and America would end up 'speaking Chinese'. Those laws were on the books as recently as the sixties, and it takes a while for the racial divide to heal.
If obsession with money and wealth is the 'Asian way' then how come there are so many dry cleaners, cobblers, tailors and liquor stores have owners who are of Asian heritage? Those aren't exactly high-paying million-dollar-a-year businesses. The emphasis, for USCs of Asian ancestry, and for Asians who have just recently emigrated, is family stability, core values, courtesy, decency, and respect. While some of the younger generations in cities with established Asian-heritage communities may be starting to turn to criminal organizations like the triad and yakuza, this is frowned on by those of us who simply want to work and live.
From the late 1800's to the early 1960's there were laws on the books banning Chinese/American immigration, prohibiting Asians from marrying whites and prohibiting Asians from owning land. While those laws have been repealed as unconstitutional, it takes a long time for racial memory to forget that. If there is a divide there it is because Americans put it there with their ridiculous laws about the 'yellow peril'.
The first Asians were brought over as indentured servants/slaves to help build your railroads and the women as brothel fodder during the industrialization and expansion. Asians have played just as much a role in the development of the US as we know it today as have the British immigrants, the Irish immigrants, and the African immigrants.
Excuse me. There is no caste system here in the US, the laws here don't allow it, and we are certainly not 'helpless to act on our own'. I take exception to that generalization.
That's China. That's not Asian-heritage USCs. We have a distinctly separate culture and way of life, and for many second-generation USC's whose parents are first-generation immigrants, going 'back' to the 'home country' is a culture shock because the whole way of thinking is completely different. Even those who grew up in multi-lingual homes find themselves stumbling over the language barrier.
Have you ever actually talked to an Asian-heritage USC? Worked with us, gone home to have dinner with us, talked to us and saw us as people instead of as 'other'?
@Amanda
Either way, I'm glad you're here. Immigration was what made this country great.
Wow, sounds a bit like our own country, with the uber-wealthy given huge tax breaks, while the "subordinates" lose their jobs, homes, . . . .
Ask the Native Americans about that one.
Cynics are a dime a dozen...
Amanda...your comments are truly and totally correct! Of all the writings here yours is the most logical and correct as well as being well written. I've traveled to Asia, and especially often to China and witnessed first hand the industrious people, the emphasis on education, the focus on family, children and ancestors. While there are many, many ethnic groups who are minorities in our USA the values of the Asians are noteworthy and a prime example to all the other ethnic groups as well as to all Americans. Each of us should welcome the fact that this ethnic group is now one of the fastest growing minorities in our country.
Bill Smith is stuck in the 1800's
What a load of horse-sh*t.
Wow Baldman, you are truly an observer. One who sees behind the facade.
Thats not the correct spelling of Bull@!$%#.
I hope the next step for Asian Americans is that they demand to be allowed to portray themselves in movies and tv. I remember seeing Kung Fu on tv (white actor). There seem to be numerous examples of white people portraying Asian characters in movies and television. Asians need an affirmative action program just for the "privilege" of playing Asians.
Did you know that the producers of Kung Fu turned down Bruce Lee for that role, precisely because he was of Asian ethnicity?
I have lived in China the past nine years doing research on my Hart family's western medical contributions from 1866-1924, and this is what I have observed.
Respect for their elders is absolute B.S., the young do not hesitate to throw out their elders onto the street. I seen many old homeless people begging and one of the biggest ratios of suicide is elderly not wanting to burden their children.
When you talk with China's youth their goal is to make a lot of money, travel, drive a name brand car, wear designer brand clothes and eat out. They have apathy towards government not caring if it is liberal or conservative, as long as they have freedom to do as they choose.
It may have been that Chinese people were thrifty with their finances, but no longer. Most Chinese youth blow their money on the latest electronic gadget, cigarettes, or eating out. Most Chinese young women I know don't know how to cook or keep up a home, expecting to hire someone to do this for them. They think nothing of selling themselves to the highest bidder and if a man comes along who make a bit more will not hesitate to jump to their new sugar daddy.
There is no such thing as the "One Child Policy" as I have dated many Chinese women who were the 2nd,3rd and 4th child in their family's. I have traveled to every province in china except Tibet and Yunnan and have seen many Chinese parents with 2-3 even 4 children in tow. many of my students tell me they are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th child in their family's. my boss has 2 boys that were born after the "One Child Policy"went into effect in 1984.
The MSM tries hard to sell the traditional Asian myth and even in my great great grandfathers time of the Qing Dynasty writes how this was not an accurate of Chinese lifestyle.
It sounds like China is unreservededly jumping aboard the Capitalist train. From what I've been reading, their government is becoming more and more a Plutocracy, or rule by the rich, as it is becoming in the U.S. That seems to be the strong global trend in the past decade for many countries in the world. More and more countries are becoming Plutocratic and less democratic, and less socialistic, too. The Supreme Court decision to allow corporations to be treated as legal persons was an abomination passed by the Supreme Court in our country that helps vastly widen the gap between the rich and all others. The rise of Super-PACs--where a Billionaire can legally pump millions of dollars of his or her wealth in attack ads against any political opponent that he or she does not like--helps greatly subvert democracy in our country on a massive scale, too. American politics is now based on endless fundraising for elections. And, the rich often have the loudest voice by far. The Koch brothers have pumped huge streams of cash to influence elections to a disturbing degree. It is really un-American.
Interesting perspective, but the article is about Asian Americans, not Chinese Chinese.
Yes, but Rooster is certainly hitting the right points. We whored our election process off to corporations, and willingly give our hard earned tax dollars to mega-wealthy, in the guise of "job creator" status.
Dah. REALLY Dah!
Often they see easier link here effort and results that often are hard in their country of origin. Education pays everywhere but it pays more in USA. Indians figured Jewish model less Israel. Indians also opened up their culture to America and learned local culture unlike Jews that have basically kept their Jewish culture somewhat closeted. For Indians to have Governors in two state in such a short span and both having credibility is worth something.
Hmmmm. Where does that remind you of?
[Respect for their elders is absolute B.S., the young do not hesitate to throw out their elders onto the street. I seen many old homeless people begging and one of the biggest ratios of suicide is elderly not wanting to burden their children.
When you talk with China's youth their goal is to make a lot of money, travel, drive a name brand car, wear designer brand clothes and eat out. They have apathy towards government not caring if it is liberal or conservative, as long as they have freedom to do as they choose.]
perhaps this is WHY Asians are immigrating here as the myth that is so prevalent is that America is the land of opportunity to live as you please without harassment, and these who are coming are those who still espouse higher values.
since it is reported that Native American Indians are descended from Asian roots, maybe that's why they were here then as well, because of the atrocities of the ruling factors of their times and wanted to find an island they could live on in harmony with each other and the natural world?
is history repeating itself, and the next revolution of the wheel starting? we are after all at the end of the Mayan calendar ...
1.3 billion Chinese in China are not Americans and that has nothing to do with this article. It does tell you how well American capitalism is working in China. We love to preach our brand of "democracy" and this is what happens. Asians who are here for a generation or 2 do not have anything in common with what's going on in China currently.
My husband is Asian American and we are sticking filthy rich
Then you can afford a GED.
I'll apply for my GED online as I am eating steak and lobster for dinner
LOL, can i have a loan?
Front page story on USA Today about the exact same study, but its titled "Asians Value Hard Work, Family." Subtitle says something about how the stereotypes are based in fact. Funny that MSNBC chose to focus on the "satisfied with life" aspect of the study, which doesn't seem to be one of the most important points of it. Why wouldn't MSNBC want the hard work and family aspects of the study being in the article and headline?
The trend is fewer whites, doesn't really matter the emerging demographic.
The inventors of the "melting pot" are reaping what they have sown.
I wonder if this "Asian American" category also includes South Asians (Indian, etc.).
In any case, the values of all Asians are definitely oriented towards more family, kids, education, lawful living, care for elders, etc. I hope they can pass on their excellent legacy on to their subsequent generations here in US. But those values could get diluted over time as the next generation kids becomes more and more mainstream with other cultures of US.
One thing that the current Asian Americans lack is encouraging their kids to go more in areas of arts, music, films, sports, etc.
I wonder if this "Asian American" category also includes South Asians (Indian, etc.).
In any case, the values of all Asians are definitely oriented towards more family, kids, education, lawful living, care for elders, etc. I hope they can pass on their excellent legacy on to their subsequent generations here in US. But those values could get diluted over time as the next generation kids becomes more and more mainstream with other cultures of US.
One thing that the current Asian Americans lack is encouraging their kids to go more in areas of arts, music, films, sports, etc.
The reason they are so succesful is that they know art, music, film and sports ARE NOT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING.
from USA Today article about same study -
Indians have the highest share of college-educated and the highest median household income ($88,000) among the largest Asian-American groups. Asians as a whole have a median household income of $66,000 (half make more, half less) compared with the U.S. median of $49,800.
The telephone survey includes large enough samples of the six largest U.S. Asian groups (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese) to pinpoint differences among them.
Fact: most Asian-American medical students are proficient in at least 2 musical instruments. They just don't want Mom and Dad to support them for the rest of their lives. I teach in a major medical school in the midwest and my colleagues from both coasts will tell you the same.
Its easy to see why Asians are happy- THEY ARE EDUCATED AND EMPLOYED!
Go to any private high school level academy and see who's filling the seats. Asian kids!
Wake up America. Your kids better get docotrs and engineers as their role models, too.
If you learn the 3 R's,you will be able to get a better job=better pay=better satisfacition in life.
It is a simple way,but most our the new generation are less smart now!
Any chance this type of behavior could rub off on another group so I do not have to chose anymore between selecting 1 or 2 on my phone prompt, etc. Well I can always dream
As an American of Asian ancestry, I can attest that most of the report is true. Growing up, my family put a great deal of emphasis on personal responsibility, courtesy, hard work, and getting an education, lessons which I have learned very well and have greatly served me as an adult. It was drilled into us that we were to be polite at all times and getting a college education wasn't an option, the only option was which college we would attend. It's amazing how people tend to forget that being courteous, hard working, and having a great education really will open a tremendous amount of doors for you in this world.
Asians come with a greater commitment in educating and settling their children. In one case I know a mother CPA, quit her job to work with son graduate from Cal-tech. In other case when son was failing in high school, father bought him Subway franchise and slow pain-stacking way family worked with the kid to teach him and help him manage finances and responsibility. Today the failing kid owned three subways.
May be as time goes by and they get assimilated they will get American Bug and kids will be on their own and parent will think their job is over once kids is 18 or 21.
Our hospital have over 5000 employees, we have a large percentage of Asian doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists. I noticed in the past several years that our Asian-American employees rarely file work injury claims. When they do get injured on the job, they don't ask for time off and they never sue the employer. Other injured employees will get a lawyer before they go to the doctor. We certainly have our shares of bogus injury claims. I guess it all boils down to self respect and work ethics.
Asians differ in attitudes and culture like Hispanics from countries in South America depending on the Asian country whether its a developing country or a developed country. As a result, Asians have different impressions and perceptions. Asians from developing countries admire the United States for its industriousness, modern conveniences and personal freedoms. Asians from developed countries may view the Unites States as a decadent and corrupt country with no uniform moral standards but have written laws to regulate human and business behavior. Therefore, there is initially a lack of trust of foreigners and Americans until there is successful business dealings or a accumulation of experiences to establish some kind of rapport. However, the success of Asians can be attributed to the values and ethics of hard work, responsibility, family, personal discipline, culture and seizing opportunities.
i'm asian-american (filipino-american) and i have to say...one of things i love most about the u.s. are all the different flavors of america. i learn from my own background/ heritage but i also have the privilege of learning from many americans of different backgrounds. if many of us (asian-americans) are satisfied a big part of it is because we live in this great country that i know i love (as do my family members) and also because americans (of all backgrounds) are wonderful people. we all have something special to share with each other/ learn from each other. i don't mean to sound "corny" but i am speaking from my own experience.
To Amanda I say - take a drive through the San Gabriel Valley. Have a look at desired segregation from the rest of the non-Asian community. You did not mention the illegalities occurring each and every day behind housing, zoning and health violations, not to mention paying miserable salaries to their working folk. The Chinese culture in the USA was imported from the ancient dynasties, and remains as it was then - rooted in hiearchial positions of wealth and power. The more you got, the more valuable you are. I do not buy into that Asian argument. Deng Xiaoping made a statement in 1980 - it is glorious to be rich. There are other geographical areas where Asian Americans fail to integrate, Seattle is another example where their is great distrust between the two ethnic groups. The Univ of Wash alumni reports that Chinese students bring nothing to the quality of the campus, come here for good grades, prestige and then return or go into the US work place where Asian connections are abundant. Courtesy is often masked as cynicism and disdain for other cultures and their values, while the Chinese seek to impress with their wealth and their education - I have taught in China and rare is the student who can actually think in an innovative and creative manner.
I have no gripoe with Asian immigration, but I wonder just how much you contribute in taxes, charity based works, how little you care for the law, and using legal loopholes to achieve a greater degree of financial independence. I live in the now, not the 1800's because that form of treatment was inhumane and callus. I am aware of Maxine Hong Kingstons wonderful book, Grandfathers and am familiar with Chinese culture. There is one ever present preoccupation - money, wealth, luxury goods as opposed to integration and finding common ground with the US citizenry of several generations.
^Yes, I totally agree. Greed is a trait entirely unique to the Asian culture. We Chinese are the only ethnicity to ever hold back-door deals. We certainly don't believe in charity, god forbid others get a share of our wealth. We are also the only culture to engage in illegalities. "William Smith", you speak of these things as if your observations are unique to Asians. I have no doubt that in China there is an ever-present obsession with "money, wealth, luxury goods," however I would like to remind you that this sort of phenomena occurs in ANY culture. As for your assertions that segregation is "desired", which I would love for you to provide evidence of, I would like to point out that there is, unfortunately, a language barrier among many other factors that hinder assimilation. This occurs with all varieties of immigrants, I'm sure, as not everyone is motivated to assimilate, because they are able to sustain themselves just fine without it. It fascinates me that you would bring up your experiences with the Chinese in China on an article about how American Chinese are, on average, more happy with life--surely you understand that in every demographic of people that there are good eggs and bad eggs, I suppose if you would like to avoid them all, you could purchase a small island and live there by yourself. It's a mean world out here.
Great to see they are happy as they are the hardworking backbone of America (new immigrants from Asian countries as have been many of our Hispanic legal immigrants from Mexico and South America) and don't expect as much from the USA except if you work hard, you get ahead and have food to eat and better your life. At least for a generation or maybe two, until they join the current generation of lazy Americans that want everything for nothing, blame the rich for being rich and not paying their bills, handouts and free benefits for all but have no explanation of who pays for it....maybe they will keep us afloat as a "great" nation for another 10 years or more.
Confucius say "Man who sleep on stomach have big crackup"
Asians are dedicated, dicipline and ambitious people. They find ways to generate wealth while delaying the instant gratification that most of us are uncapable of doing. They are an example that I hope my people will, with time, learn to follow.