American and Pacific Islander Month through the lens of an expert

PEMCO recognizes and celebrates Diversity & Inclusion through supporting various groups, organizations and events in the communities where we all live and work.

This May, we are celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In honor of this, PEMCO reached out virtually to Michael Byun, Executive Director for the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) to share his perspective on challenges that Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) can face and what we can do to stay educated and support AAPIs! 
 
Here are three key takeaways:

It can be difficult to feel a sense of belonging

Byun discussed the challenges of being simultaneously viewed as the “model minority,” the myth that Asian Americans are a polite, law-abiding group who have achieved a higher level of success than the general population, and as “virus carriers” in relation to COVID-19. “It’s a conflicting and confusing time,” Byun shared. “Part of me recognizes that AAPIs are really fortunate to be recognized as a ‘model minority’ but then at the same time when we are seen as the carrier it makes us question, what is our place here in the U.S.?”

Realities that AAPIs face in the workforce, the community, and as a consumer

The model minority myth can have unintended consequences when it relates to the workforce. Byun stated, “We may find that AAPIs are tracked in specific areas, primarily in technical fields, and more often than not tracked into internal operations positions versus externally facing positions.” Exclusively being tracked into internal operations positions versus externally facing positions can make it challenging for AAPIs to be seen as individuals with leadership qualities. This can cause AAPIs to hit a “bamboo ceiling.” The bamboo ceiling refers to the barriers that serve to exclude AAPIs when it comes to leadership positions in the workplace.

Byun also shared how the rise in hate crimes in response to COVID-19 has many AAPIs more concerned with their safety. This can impact the way AAPIs are in the community and how they shop. Now more than ever, AAPIs are making sure that they can trust the businesses they support.

How you can learn more about AAPIs and continue to show your support – even while staying home!

Over the last few months, even before the stay at home order, business has been dropping in Chinatown. One way you can show your support is by getting carry out from an AAPI owned local business!

Byun shared a variety of resources that are currently available. Check out the PBS special on AAPI Month here! ACRS is also highlighting AAPI leaders throughout history on their social media this month. Check out their Facebook page here.

To learn more about Michael Byun and ACRS, click here.