What are your blind spots? Conquering misconceptions surrounding the U.S. Asian-Pacific community

The U.S. Asian-Pacific community, spanning more than 50 racial/ethnic groups and speaking more than 30 languages, isn’t easily defined.

The term “Asian American” was coined in 1968 to help establish a collective identity in the U.S. at a time when communities with Asian roots could benefit from embracing their shared history. But simplifying racial categories has brought both benefits and setbacks.

Decades later, we see the effects of this broad terminology via the rise in generalization of Asian Americans in the U.S. Members of this community encompass a wide spectrum of race, ethnicity, culture and heritage that has largely gone unnoticed. Today, two-thirds of Asian Americans identify primarily with their specific ethnicity, according to the research organization AAPI Data. This choice to reject homogenization is a clear indication of the need to recognize this group’s nuanced differences.

This May, we’re focused on changing the conversation by recognizing and conquering our blind spots. By addressing some misconceptions surrounding the Asian Pacific American community, we hope to celebrate the unique identities and experiences of all members of this group.

One size fits all: Asian American Pacific Islander
This includes all people of East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander origin spanning more than 50 countries.

There is tremendous demographic, ethnic, cultural, and social diversity within this community. Understanding and harnessing the value of these overlapping identities and experiences drives inclusion and innovation.

Asians Americans are overrepresented
Asian Americans make up 12% of working professionals in the U.S., but are underrepresented in senior and leadership roles at just 5%.

Culture clash
73% of adult Asian Americans were born outside the U.S., bringing with them diverse skills and customs. Disparity between Asian stereotypes and leadership prototypes fuels a leadership gap that must be reconciled to ensure mutual success.

Model minority
The perception that Asian Americans are more educated and successful than other ethnic groups ignores socioeconomic inequalities and misrepresents a highly diverse community.

Illusion of success
White-collar Asian Americans are the least likely group to be promoted to management roles. The “model minority” perception has left them out of the glass ceiling conversation.

Bamboo ceiling
Also known as the glass ceiling among other minority groups in the workplace. This term perpetuates cultural stereotypes of Asian Americans.

In moving away from stereotypes and generalized language, it’s possible to shift focus from preconceived notions and frame issues surrounding Asian Americans in a more thoughtful way. Resetting the way we think and speak about this community is key to ensuring Asian Americans are seen, recognized and celebrated for their unique identities, skills and contributions.

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Illustrations by NYC-based designer Dingding Hu. Commissioned by Bloomberg.