2010 Surveys – Your Answers!

In a survey posted on charactermedia.com last month, we asked our readers about the people, events and issues that shaped 2010. Here, a sampling of answers.

Whom do you consider the Korean American of the year?

Michelle Rhee. Her profile was raised even higher in 2010, from her prominence in the documentary Waiting for “Superman” to her role as a lightning rod in D.C.’s bitter mayoral election, and her eventual resignation and formation of the student advocacy group Students First.
—Keith Chow, 33, Maryland

Lt. Dan Choi for never backing down from his positions, chaining his convictions to the political stage, and using civil disobedience to press an issue that continues to rock national politics into the new year, and surely beyond.
—Brian Hu, 28, Los Angeles

Whom do you consider the Asian of the year?

		Aung San Suu Kyi for the devotion and passion she has for the pursuit of freedom. [The Burmese opposition leader has been detained for more than 15 years for her efforts to bring democracy to military-ruled Burma; she was released in November.] —Regis Yoon, 37, Denver, Colo. [South Korean figure skater and Olympic gold medalist] Kim Yuna. —Kristi N., 23, Madison, Wis.

What event had the most impact on Asian Americans?

		The sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan and the artillery shelling on Yeonpyeong. These incidents may have occurred in Korea, but the whole Asian theater is slowly becoming a single unit, which means instability in one area could potentially cripple the entire region. Far more than China, North Korea represents the final frontier in the new millennium. It has remained relatively untouched by global influences, and yet finds itself in the center of its issues. The future of North Korea factors significantly into the stability of not only Asia, but also the world. —Lola Pak, 24, Atlanta ..

There is not one “event” that impacted Asian Americans the most, but [the Senate] not passing the DREAM Act is a big one. A large chunk of the undocumented student population is Asian American; these are folks who are doubly, triply marginalized and living in the shadows. The positive is the
huge youth movement [launched to advocate the act’s passage]. Hopefully, young Asian Americans will play an increasingly prominent role [in this movement], along with Latino and other undocumented students.
—Momo Chang, 32, Oakland, Calif.

SB 1070. [The Arizona law] set off a wave of anti-immigrant and racist sentiments that, while currently primarily directed at Latino Americans, has the potential to devastate our communities as well.
— Dayne L., 21, Claremont, Calif.

What incident most positively impacted Asian Americans?

		The appointment of Asian American [Tani Cantil-Sakauye] to the California Supreme Court. — Scott Kim, 46, Manhattan Beach, Calif. The mutually beneficial free trade agreement with the Obama administration and [South Korea], which can potentially improve the struggling economies of both countries. — David Clanton, Monterey, Calif. Far East Movement’s hit single, “Like a G6.” I don’t even like the song, but every time it came on the radio I couldn’t help but lower the windows and blast it. It’s about pride. I can’t be the only Asian American who was doing that. —Brian Hu, 28, Los Angeles The creation of the “K-Town reality series.” —Nic Cha Kim, 36, Los Angeles What incident most negatively impacted Asian Americans? It belongs here, too: The creation of the “K-Town reality series.” —Nic Cha Kim, 36, Los Angeles .

See the rest of your comments in the Jan ’11 issue! Thanks to everyone who participated!