American Attitudes Toward Chinese Americans

Transcription

The Committee of 100 Presents
American Attitudes Toward
Chinese Americans and Asian Americans
Including
Conversations with Americans
About Chinese Americans and Asian Americans
Committee of 100
677 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 371.6565
www.committee100.org
Conducted in January and March of 2001
{2}
May 2001
Dear Committee of 100 Friends:
In light of events affecting American sentiment towards Chinese Americans and Asian Americans such as the Wen Ho Lee case, the
political fund-raising controversies, and the Cox Report, the Committee of 100 commissioned a landmark national study to benchmark and
gain insights into the nature of American attitudes towards Chinese Americans and Asian Americans. The methodologically robust study,
comprised of focus groups and a national survey, was conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and performed
by Marttila Communications Group and Yankelovich in February and March 2001.
This study had surprising findings. One out of four Americans hold “strong negative attitudes” towards Chinese Americans; 23% would
be uncomfortable voting for an Asian American to be President of the United States; 24% would disapprove of inter-marriage with an
Asian American; and 32% feel Chinese-Americans were more loyal to China than the U.S.
Although we had anticipated that the survey might identify some negative attitudes, we were surprised at the extent and nature of biases
revealed. Such negative stereotyping among a significant proportion of the country shows a major bias that impedes equal opportunity
and rights for Asian Americans. This threatens not only the Asian American community, but also American society as a whole.
Further, the survey findings belie the image of Asian Americans as the model minority with no issues. Though ostensibly flattering, the
myth of the model minority is both misleading and harmful. This myth obscures the reality that Asian Americans face negative stereotyping
which may impede their career advancement and social acceptance.
Even the positive findings of the survey are juxtaposed against contradictory negative attitudes. Some of the positive attitudes towards
Chinese Americans voiced by survey respondents include “strong family values” (91%), “honesty as business people” (77%), and “place a
high value on education” (67%). Yet, the same survey finds that a significant number of Americans would not want an Asian American as
a President, CEO, spouse or even neighbor. This further reflects the inaccuracy of the model minority myth.
The research study probed possible sources of the negativity. One key insight of the focus groups was that the flip side of Asian
Americans being “models” of success is being targets for resentment – yet another pitfall of the “model minority” moniker. Another main
issue was the common perception of Asian Americans as “permanent foreigners”. Asian Americans are seen to be disinterested in
engaging fully in American society, and Chinese Americans in particular are suspected of being more loyal to China than the U.S.
Indeed, the completion of the survey has coincided with a time where its implications have particular resonance. The Committee of 100
views it as a jarring wake-up call. We urge you to heed it as well. Read the results of our survey. Be awakened, perhaps rudely, to the
reality of Asian American negative stereotyping that exists in America today. We then invite you to join our efforts to address this issue:
by raising awareness among Americans, Asian and non-Asian alike, regarding the biases that persist in American attitudes and by
educating Americans to dispel these stereotypes of Asian Americans. In addition, join us in promoting opportunities for Chinese and
Asian Americans to engage more fully in American life.
We need to work together to change misperceptions of Asian Americans, so that when the next survey is conducted, the results will reflect
a fuller integration of Chinese and Asian Americans into a more harmonious American life.
The Committee of 100 is a non-partisan, national organization composed of prominent Chinese Americans that works to promote the full
participation of Chinese Americans in American society and to improve relations between the U.S. and Greater China. Special thanks for
this study go to Board Director Carolyn Chin and Board Governor Shirley Young who directed this pioneering project.
Sincerely yours,
Henry S. Tang
Chairman
{TABLE OF CONTENTS}
{PAGE}
Committee of 100
{4}
CONVERSATIONS WITH AMERICANS ABOUT CHINESE AMERICANS AND ASIAN AMERICANS
(The Focus Group Study)
{14}
AMERICAN ATTITUDES TOWARD CHINESE AMERICANS AND ASIAN AMERICANS
(The National Poll Survey)
{16}
Background and Purpose
{17}
Methodology
{18}
Summary of Findings
{20}
Perceived Attitudes and Stereotypes of Chinese Americans
{30}
The Nature and Extent of Attitudes Toward China and Chinese Americans
{38}
Attitudes Toward Asian Americans
{48}
Attitudes Toward Immigration
{54}
Respondent Profile
{56}
Index of Attitudes Toward Asian Americans
{3}
{4}
Conversations with Americans About Chinese Americans and Asian Americans
Conversations
with Americans
About
Chinese
Americans
and
Asian
Americans
A Report to the Committee of 100 from the Martilla Communications Group
{5}
{6}
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
However, many negative and
prejudicial judgments about Asian Americans
4
. Among the non-Asian participants,
the positive judgments about Asian
his executive summary identifies the
also emerged during the focus groups. And
key findings from ten focus groups
many of these negative views were the flip
There is a genuine regard for the hard
that were conducted for the
side of the respect for Asian Americans
work, family focus, ambition, commitment
Committee of 100 during January 2001. Four
because they were resentful reactions to their
to education and the intellectual gifts of
groups were conducted in New York, four in
perceived success. Therefore, many focus
Asian Americans.
Los Angeles and two in Chicago.
group participants described Asian Americans
T
The focus groups were meant to provide
as arrogant, aloof, keeping to themselves,
insights into the thinking of key target
disinterested in/and disapproving of the
audiences, most particularly upper-educated
larger American community, not
Americans, Asian Americans and, of course,
approachable, etc.
Therefore, the focus groups are the primary
source of information about the views of
Chinese Americans and Asian Americans for
this Committee of 100 research project.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
1
2
. In the focus groups, the majority of non-
Asian American participants could not
make meaningful distinctions between
Asian Americans of different national origins.
country. All participants, non-Asian and Asian
Americans among more economically
discrimination in the U.S. and Hispanics
vulnerable Americans.
the findings among non-Asian
Americans faced the least discrimination.
Americans and Asian Americans were very
participants expressed a great deal of admiration
immigrants to the U.S. during the 1990’s
had exacerbated interracial tension in the
that African Americans face the most
groups tested, the participants believed Asian
3
that the substantial increase of
create real resentments against Asian
in three different regions of the country,
On balance, the non-Asian focus group
6
. Most focus group participants believed
alike, agreed an economic slowdown could
ven though the focus groups were held
consistent.
“They stick together.” “They are
. The focus group participants believed
face only slightly less. Of the three racial
E
Asian Americans keep to themselves.
K E Y FI N D I N G S
Yankelovich survey, their views could not be
broken out for a statistically reliable analysis.
. The most frequently mentioned
criticism in the focus groups was that
cliquish/clannish.”
Chinese Americans. Since Asian Americans
comprise 1% of the national sample in the
5
Americans were very sharply defined.
7
the military and/or economic power of
China is a looming future threat to U.S
. A consensus existed among all focus
security, a view shared by many of the non-
group participants, regardless of race,
Chinese Asian participants. Virtually all the
regarding the roots of prejudice: the
Asian Americans and Chinese American
same words and terms emerged in all of the
participants indicated that their lives could be
real asset to American life. There is a genuine
focus groups. A lack of education and a lack
adversely affected if there was a serious
regard for the hard work, family focus, ambition,
of a “proper upbringing” were the most
showdown between the U.S. and China.
commitment to education and the intellectual
prevalent explanations for prejudicial views.
for Asian Americans, who they consider to be a
gifts of Asian Americans.
8
9
. Non-Asian participants saw Asian
Americans as being less likely to be full
participants in the entire community as
Americans and, of course, Chinese Americans.
Since Asian Americans comprise 1% of
the national sample in the Yankelovich survey,
the Americans who pay the greatest attention
to foreign policy and who are most likely to
follow political/social issues closely.
other Americans. They were seen to be more
their views could not be broken out for a
inward looking.
statistically reliable analysis. Therefore, the
selected because of their sizable Asian
. A discussion about the educational
focus groups are the primary source of
American populations; Chicago was selected
success of Asian American teens
information about the views of Chinese
because of its comparatively small Asian
indicated that this issue has the
Americans and Asian Americans for this
American population and its heartland location.
potential to create some tension among non-
Committee of 100 research project.
Asian middle-class parents with college-
The educational levels of both the Asian
American and Chinese American groups were
THE FOCUS GROUPS
bound kids.
New York and Los Angeles were
above the norm. After consultation with
Committee of 100 leaders, we decided that
10
. The Asian American focus group
participants believed that too
many Americans see them as
foreigners, or as “permanent aliens.” This
F
our of the ten focus groups were
more educated Asian Americans – which also
conducted in New York (January 10 &
meant younger participants – would be more
11); four in Los Angeles (January 15 &
likely to be open and forthright during our
16); and two in Chicago (January 17).
perception seemed to have contributed to a
lack of interest in politics among the Asian
American participants: only a few of the Asian
levels were meant to more accurately reflect
The demographic composition of the
focus groups in New York and Los
American participants were interested in
Angeles were identical:
politics, a surprising result from such a well-
› one group of upper-educated
educated group.
(no Asian Americans);
› one group of Asian Americans
T
his report summarizes the key findings
from ten focus groups that were
conducted for the Committee of 100
during January 2001.
In part, these focus groups were
convened to instruct the questionnaire
(including Chinese Americans);
› and one group of Chinese Americans.
In Chicago, the focus groups included
years of age.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
T
he focus groups were held in three
different cities but the findings among
non-Asian Americans and Asian
Americans were very consistent.
On balance, the non-Asian focus
group participants expressed a great deal of
no Asian Americans:
admiration for Asian Americans, who they
› one group of upper-educated;
consider to be a real asset to American life.
› and one of a representative cross-section.
There is a genuine regard for the hard
development for the national Yankelovich
survey. However, the focus groups were also
the Asian American population under forty
(no Asian Americans);
› one group of a representative cross-section
FULL REPORT
conversations. Also, the higher education
work, family focus, ambition, commitment
The upper-educated participants were
meant to provide deeper insights into the
screened for post-graduate degrees, a record
thinking of key target audiences, most
of political activity and an interest in foreign
particularly upper-educated Americans, Asian
affairs. In our experience, post-graduates are
to education and the intellectual gifts of
Asian Americans.
However, many negative and
prejudicial judgments about Asian Americans
{7}
{8}
also emerged during the focus groups. And
between Asian Americans of different national
Americans and other Asian Americans:
many of these negative views were the flip
origins. Therefore, the focus group participants
“The main focus of this study was
side of the respect for Asian Americans
had very few distinct impressions of Chinese
Americans’ prejudice toward Chinese
because they were resentful reactions to their
Americans in contrast to Asian Americans of
Americans. Additionally, however, the
perceived success. Therefore, many focus
other national origins.
research sought to determine whether
group participants described Asian Americans
The Yankelovich survey confirmed
attitudes toward “Chinese Americans”
as arrogant, aloof, keeping to themselves,
Americans’ inability to distinguish between
were largely the same or different than those
disinterested in/and disapproving of the
Chinese Americans and other Asian Americans.
toward “Asian Americans” generally. For this
larger American community, not
purpose, 1,002 Americans were asked their
approachable, etc.
Only a handful of non-Asian focus
In this regard, some of the prejudicial
group participants, 50% of who were post-
opinions about stereotypes of “Chinese
Americans” and 214 Americans were asked
views about Asian Americans are similar to
graduates, could make meaningful distinctions
their opinion about identically worded
those about Jews, because they are reactions
between Asian Americans of different national
stereotypes of “Asian Americans.” The
to perceptions of success. For example, during
origins and they believed few other non-
results were nearly identical – suggesting
the past decade, prejudicial attitudes toward
Asians could do so. To the extent they could
that anti-Chinese American prejudice is a
Jews have increasingly focused on the issue of
offer impressions, the non-Asians believed the
subset of broader, anti-Asian American
too much Jewish power in the U.S., which is
Japanese Americans were the likeliest to be
prejudice. Whether this is also true of other
obviously an expression of resentment about
successful at business, and there was some
Asian groups (Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese,
Jewish success in America.
limited awareness of tension between Korean
Filipino, etc.) needs to be investigated
Americans and African Americans.
separately.”
The negative perceptions about Asian
Americans that were revealed in the focus
groups are real concerns and they undermined
Virtually all of the Asian American focus
group participants believed that very few
the generally positive perceptions.
non-Asian Americans could make meaningful
Nevertheless, we do not believe that these
distinctions between Asian Americans of
negative views outweigh the very strong
different national origins.
positive impressions about Asian Americans
that were revealed in the focus groups.
ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES, WE
HAVE
The focus groups clearly indicated that
discrimination in the U.S. and
Hispanics face only slightly less. Of the
three racial groups tested, the participants
distinguish between Chinese Americans and
believed Asian Americans faced the least
other Asian Americans. Consequently, most of
discrimination.
our analysis deals with non-Asian reaction to
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE FOCUS GROUPS.
Asian Americans generally, rather than
reaction to Chinese Americans, specifically.
1
that African Americans face the most
most non-Asian Americans are unable to
IDENTIFIED WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE THE
. In the focus gr oups, the majority
2
The Yankelovich survey also looked at
of non-Asian American participants
this issue, and confirmed that Americans
could not make meaningful distinctions
could not distinguish between Chinese
The Yankelovich national survey
confirmed this rank order. However, the
same poll found striking levels of anti-Asian
American views.
All of the focus group participants,
including Asian Americans, agreed that
In contrast, the Yankelovich survey ALSO found:
that many focus group participants would
African Americans face the most
› 23% of Americans would be uncomfortable
indicate that the U.S. has made significant
discrimination, and that Hispanics still face
voting for an Asian American candidate for
progress on the issue of racial discrimination.
considerable discrimination but less than
president.
However, the critical judgments of the focus
African Americans.
› 24% of Americans would disapprove of
group participants were so consistent that
someone in their family marrying an Asian
the larger social context on this issue may be
Asian Americans still face discrimination in
A majority of the participants believed
American.
less optimistic than we would have thought.
the U.S., but virtually all participants believed
› 17% of Americans would be upset if Asian
A clear majority of the focus group
that African Americans and Hispanics face
Americans moved into their neighborhood.
participants – of all races – believed the
much more racial discrimination.
issue still deserves major attention.
This was one of the clearest findings of
Most of the focus group participants
Finally, when asked to consider future
the focus group research, and the Asian
were critical of the lack of progress on the
remedies to deal with the issue of racial
American focus group participants supported it.
issue of racial discrimination in the U.S. Not
discrimination, a clear majority of the focus
surprisingly, the sharpest criticism came from
group participants believed the outstanding
that Asian Americans do not face a great deal
Many Caucasian participants believed
African-American and Hispanic American
issues were largely personal and emotional,
of discrimination. A few younger, more well
participants. However, most Caucasian
particularly the basic acceptance of all people
educated Asian Americans and Chinese
participants were also critical about America’s
regardless of color. In their view, the
Americans (more so in NYC) believed Asian
lack of progress on the issue.
outstanding issues are “matters of the heart,”
Americans faced minimal discrimination.
The focus groups were conducted in three
The Yankelovich survey confirmed the
not matters of law.
racially diverse urban areas (NYC, LA, Chicago).
rank order that emerged in the focus groups –
Also, many groups consisted of very well-
but it also found significant levels of anti-
educated participants. These two factors
{How much racial discrimination do you think
issues. Therefore, it may not be all that
3
each of the following groups face today? Do you
surprising that a majority of these focus group
emerged in all of the focus groups. A lack
think they face a lot, some, a little, or none at all?}
participants believed that while the U.S. had
of education and a lack of a “proper
made progress on the issue of racial
upbringing” were the most prevalent
discrimination, there was much work to be done.
explanations for prejudicial views.
Asian American prejudice:
probably produced a more progressive
orientation among the participants on social
A LOT
SOME A LITTLE NONE
Asian
Americans
15%
48%
26%
8%
3%
African
Americans
34%
40%
19%
5%
2%
Jewish
Americans
Hispanics
10%
28%
37%
44%
31%
19%
15%
4%
NOT SURE
7%
5%
Most Asian American participants were
. A consensus existed among all
focus group participants, regardless
of race, regarding the roots of
prejudice: the same words and terms
T h e Ya n kel o vi ch su r v e y
also critical of America’s lack of progress on
c o n f i r me d t he i mpa ct of a lac k o f
the issue of racial discrimination, but several,
ed u ca tio n in sha pin g prejudicial views.
in contrast to the African American and Hispanic
participants, were more optimistic about our
progress as a nation.
When we began this work, we assumed
› Most of the focus group participants
mentioned a lack of education, which
produced a minimal understanding of, and
{9}
{10}
respect for, cultural differences, as probably
the most prevalent explanation for
prejudicial views.
physical fear.
› Personal insecurity, and a lack of self-esteem
were thought to be key personal factors that
breed resentment and a jealousy of others.
The lack of education emerged as a key
› Finally, the focus group participants thought
underlying factor for prejudicial views in the
the lack of exposure or interaction with other
Yankelovich poll:
groups was a major contributor to racial prejudice
“This study, like other studies on
because it preserved prejudicial views.
› Asian Americans are thought to be very
smart. The community produces a
disproportionate share of academic superstars.
› They are very ambitious and industrious.
They are interested in owning their
own businesses.
› Asian Americans have great respect for their
history and culture.
prejudice, shows that the main source
› Asian Americans are talented and creative.
of prejudice is a lack of education and
› Finally, Asian Americans are well mannered.
a lower level of cognitive
sophistication associated with a lower
education.”
4
. Among the non-Asian focus group
They are quiet. They don’t cause problems
participants, the positive judgments
and don’t complain. They are not troublemakers.
about Asian Americans were very
sharply defined and emerged without
› A lack of “proper upbringing” was
mentioned as frequently by the focus group
any prompting.
When considered together, these
5
. While clearly troublesome, the
negative judgments about Asian
participants. While some thought that an
positive perceptions reveal a very clear,
individual could change his/her prejudicial
and ultimately, very flattering portrait of
groups were less clearly defined, less top-of-
views over time, most thought it was very
Asian Americans.
the-mind than the positive views.
difficult to overcome a lack of proper family
values. Many participants used the phrase,
“prejudice is taught.”
› Economic insecurity was also seen to be a
Nevertheless, an understandable “negative
The non-Asian focus group participants
had no difficulty in listing the many virtues of
Asian Americans. These positive views are
major factor in the formation and/or the
very sharply defined, and taken together, they
reinforcement of discriminatory views. Many
paint a very clear, and ultimately, very
participants mentioned the fear of job loss as
flattering portrait.
a specific factor.
› Ignorance: the word ignorance emerged in
virtually all of the groups, and by it,
participants meant a willingness to accept
racial stereotypes without considering
alternative views.
› Fear: the word fear emerged in all of the
Americans that emerged in the focus
portrait” emerged.
Many of these negative perceptions
were confirmed in the Yankelovich survey.
Although the negative judgments about
Asian Americans were less top-of-the-mind,
the same criticisms were mentioned in most of
› Asian Americans are seen to be exceptionally
hard working.
› They are seen to have strong family values.
They respect their elders.
› The Asian American family/community
the groups and when they are considered
together, they create a coherent statement:
First, unlike the prejudicial attitudes
towards African Americans and Hispanics that
stem from many negative judgments about
places a great emphasis on education. They
the respective communities, the prejudicial
groups. To the participants, this meant fear
are seen to be people who truly believe
views against Asian Americans are frequently
of the unknown, an emotional fear – not
education is the path to future success.
resentful reactions to perceived Asian
American success.
Second, the non-Asian focus group
slowdown, could create serious problems for
The Yankelovich survey confirmed
the Asian American community. The Asian
participants appeared to have a distant, and
many of the negative views that emerged in
American focus group participants certainly
emotionally cool relationship with the Asian
the focus groups:
felt it could.
American community. This “emotional
“At the same time, a sizeable minority of
First, all participants agreed that an
distance” seemed to be at the heart of many of
Americans holds negative stereotypes of
economic downturn could exacerbate concerns
the other criticisms. The Caucasian
Chinese Americans. The most prevalent
about all newly arrived immigrants competing
participants indicated that they had much less
involve perceptions that Chinese Americans
for and taking away “American” jobs.
interaction with Asian Americans than they
have too much power and influence …Other
did with African Americans and Hispanics.
anti-Chinese American stereotypes, held by
perceptions about the industriousness and
fewer Americans, include being clannish,
hard work of Asian Americans – could
conceited, unfair in business, and two-faced.”
contribute to a specific backlash against
› The most frequently mentioned criticism in
the focus groups was that Asian Americans
Asian Americans.
keep to themselves. “They stick together.”
“They are cliquish/clannish.”
› “Asian Americans have a tendency to be
arrogant.” “They look down on others.”
› “They are not approachable.” “They are
not friendly.”
› “Asian Americans cannot be fully trusted.”
“They are two-faced.”
›”Asian Americans are secretive and insular.”
“They have a hidden agenda.” “They won’t
reveal what they are really thinking.”
› “They do not speak English and don’t
Second, a slowdown coupled with the
The Asian American focus group
6
. Most focus group participants
participants in Los Angeles believed the
believed that the substantial increase of
rapidly growing number of Asian Americans
immigrants to the U.S. during the
in their area has focused more attention on
1990’s had exacerbated interracial tension in
them and has sparked concerns about their
the country. All focus group participants,
potential to compete for jobs.
non-Asian and Asian alike, agreed that an
We know from our previous work that
economic slowdown could create real
xenophobic attitudes are powerful forces in
resentments against Asian Americans among
prejudicial views. These anti-immigrant
more economically vulnerable Americans.
Americans believe that “Americans” should be
The Yankelovich survey clearly revealed
some of these anti-immigrant feelings.
taken care of before newly arrived immigrants
receive any special consideration.
want to.”
› “They are only interested in doing business
A majority of all focus group
The Yankelovich survey found:
with other Asian Americans, making it very
participants, non-Asian and Asian alike,
difficult for non-Asians to conduct business
believed that the explosion of immigration
Asian Americans during the past decade
with them.”
during the 1990’s has heightened interracial
has been BAD for America.
› “In business, they are only interested in
money – and don’t care about establishing
enduring business relationships.”
› Some participants from every focus group
tensions in the country.
The participants agreed that the
economic boom of the 1990’s had minimized
popular resentment about the growth of the
said they were bad drivers. Asian Americans
immigrant population but they believed that
humorously agreed.
these resentments, coupled with an economic
› 28% of Americans believe that influx of
› 35% of Americans agree that “It bothers me
to see immigrants succeeding more than
Americans who were born here.”
› 24% agree that “Chinese Americans are
taking away too many jobs from Americans.”
{11}
{12}
was a serious future threat.
7
In this regard the focus group
Among the non–Asian American
participants, there was a strong sense that
the military and/or economic power of
participants saw the Chinese leaders as willful
Asian Americans are more inward-looking the
China is a looming future threat to U.S
adversaries; any future tension will not be
other Americans; that they are fundamentally
accidental. Several expressed the belief that a
less interested in the affairs of their local
serious showdown between the U.S. and
community than their fellow citizens.
security, a view shared by many of the nonChinese Asian participants.
Virtually all the Asian Americans and
Chinese American participants indicated that
China was inevitable.
Virtually all the Asian Americans and
Some non-Asians argued that this was
nothing more than the classic journey of
their lives could be adversely affected if
Chinese American participants indicated that
assimilation that virtually all immigrants to
there was a serious showdown between the
their lives would be adversely affected if there
America have experienced. Other non-Asians,
U.S. and China.
was a serious showdown between U.S. and
however, felt that the Asian American
China because other Americans would call
community had willfully turned its back on
two-thirds of Americans see China as a
their basic loyalty to the U.S. into question.
the rest of the American community. They
future threat to U.S. security and one-third
There was a strong consensus on this matter.
The Yankelovich survey found that
the U.S.
We asked all the focus group participants
The Yankelovich survey found
of the community because they were only
also found major reservations about Chinese
interested in making money.
American loyalty to the U.S.:
future threat to U.S. national security?
› Two-thirds (68%) see China as a future
threat to the U.S.
› The nuclear arsenal of Russia.
› The military and /or economic power of China.
› International terrorism.
› 61% have an unfavorable impression of the
government of China.
› 32% of Americans agree that Chinese
Americans are more loyal to China than
the U.S.
Not surprisingly, international terrorism
. In the focus groups, Asian Americans
economic power of China as the next most
serious future threat to the U.S. The non-
inward looking.
group participants saw the military and
Chinese Asian participants were almost as
likely as the non-Asians to indicate that China
Americans only came to the U.S. to make
money before they return to their native land.
Several Asian American participants
acknowledged that Asian Americans were
more inward looking. However, younger
Asian American participants, in particular,
believed that this was a natural occurrence in
life, no different than the experience of other
8
participants. However, a majority of the focus
Several non-Asians said that Asian
the assimilation of Asian Americans into U.S.
was seen to be the greatest future threat to
U.S. national security by the focus group
Americans, and had no real interest in the rest
widespread concern about China. The survey
which of the following presented the greatest
› The economic power of Japan.
argued Asian Americans chose to live
separately because they felt superior to other
questioned Chinese American loyalty to
immigrants in the past.
were seen to be less likely to be full
participants in the entire community as
other Americans. They were seen to be more
The Yankelovich survey captured some
of these feelings.
The Yankelovich survey found:
› 28% agree that Chinese Americans are hard
to get close to, make friends with.
› 21% agree that Chinese Americans don’t care
what happens to any but their own kind.
debates on the issue.
On first consideration, a majority of the
9
A clear majority (not all) of the
Asian Americans and Chinese American
. A discussion about the educational
focus group participants were strong
participants believed that they are seen as
success of Asian America teens
supporters of merit-based college admissions.
foreigners or “permanent aliens” by too
indicated that this issue has the
However, when confronted with the reality of
many non-Asian Americans.
potential to create some tension among non-
Asian American acceptance rates at the best
Almost all the participants could
Asian middle-class parents with college-
schools, some of the non-Asian focus group
describe disturbing or humorous incidents in
bound kids.
participants became increasingly troubled
which this prejudicial attitude was revealed
about this imbalance and began to more
by non-Asian Americans, most frequently
carefully consider the merits of admission
through comments such as, “Where are you
American teens was well understood in the
policies that also attempted to recruit racially
from?” “You speak very good English.” etc.
focus groups. The participants were very
representative classes.
The educational success of Asian
much aware that Asian American teens have
Nevertheless at the end of lengthy
This perception about how other nonAsian Americans see them emerged as one of
won a disproportionate share of college
discussions about merit-based acceptance
the prevalent concerns of the Asian American
admissions at the best schools in the country.
policies verses admission policies that also
participants, and it seems to have contributed
strive to reflect the general population, a
to the lack of interest in U.S. politics.
It is also clear this is a potentially
divisive issue that is slowly moving to the
narrow majority of the participants continued
surface and may have already begun to create
to believe that college-based admissions
participants, including the younger
some tensions among middle-class parents
should be based exclusively on merit.
participants, did not feel that that they had
with college-bound kids. Several parents of
However, most African Americans
Most of the Asian American
much stake in the American political system
college students spoke ruefully about the
and Hispanics believed that colleges and
and most were not all that interested in
experience of their own kids struggling to
universities have an obligation to make
politics. For example, in the Los Angeles
compete against these Asian American
sure their student bodies reflect the
groups, none of the Asian American and
academic superstars; a few expressed their
general population.
Chinese American participants could recall
strong disapproval of admission policies that
the name of Matt Fong, the 1998 Republican
so strongly favored one ethnic group.
In every focus group, there was a
sizeable group of participants that adamantly
favored merit-based admissions exclusively.
“Wouldn’t you want the very best brain
surgeon operating on you?” was a question
raised in more than one focus group.
The underlying issues about college
nominee for the U.S. Senate.
10
. The Asian American focus
group participants believed that
too many Americans see them as
foreigners, or as “permanent aliens.”
This perception seemed to have
Once again, the Asian American focus
group participants were very well educated,
and in this regard, their disinterest in politics
was striking.
Finally, when compared to the very
contributed to a lack of interest in politics
well developed channels of political
among the Asian American participants: only
communication in both the Jewish and
admissions were not top-of-mind for the focus
a few of the Asian American participants
African American community, the channels
group participants and after a brief
were interested in politics, a surprising result
of political communication within the Asian
explanation, we began several extended
from such a well-educated group.
American community seem very undeveloped.
{13}
{14}
American
Attitudes
Toward
American Attitudes Toward Chinese Americans and Asian Americans
Chinese
Americans
and
Asian
Americans
American Attitudes Toward Chinese Americans and Asian Americans
{15}
{16}
Background & Purpose
The Committee of 100 is a national, nonpartisan organization composed of American
citizens of Chinese descent. Members collectively pool their strengths and experiences
to address important issues concerning the Chinese American community, as well as
issues affecting U.S./China relations.
This study is the first of its kind and will be used as a benchmark to measure attitudes
the general public has of Chinese Americans and Asian Americans.
The objectives of the study are to understand:
› Perceived attitudes and stereotypes of Chinese Americans
› The nature and extent of negative attitudes toward China and Chinese Americans
› Attitudes toward Asian Americans
› Attitudes toward Immigration
Methodology
Yankelovich Partners conducted 1,216 telephone interviews among a nationally
representative sample of Americans age 18 and over. The survey was developed
with input from 10 focus groups held in key cities by Marttila Associates.
Participants were contacted via random digit dialing to ensure a representative
sample. The study was fielded March 1–14, 2001.
The main focus of this study was to understand Americans’ attitudes toward
Chinese Americans. Additionally, however, the research sought to determine
whether attitudes toward “Chinese Americans” were largely the same or
different than those toward “Asian Americans” in general. For this purpose,
1,002 Americans were asked their opinions about stereotypes of “Chinese
Americans” and 214 Americans were asked their opinion about identically
worded stereotypes of “Asian Americans.” The results were nearly identical —
suggesting that prejudice against Chinese Americans is a subset of broader
prejudice against Asian Americans. Whether this is also true of other Asian
groups (Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, etc.) needs to be investigated
separately.
The margin of error for the sample of 1,002 is ± 3.1%.
Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners
{17}
{18}
Summary of Findings
ost non-Asian Americans do not differentiate between Chinese Americans and
Asian Americans generally. A pilot study shows they hold much the same
stereotypes toward both groups in roughly equal proportions.{APPENDIX}
M
mericans have clearly identifiable views toward Chinese Americans, both
positive and negative. The great majority of Americans hold positive attitudes
toward Chinese Americans and believe they:
A
› Have strong family values: 90%
› Are as honest as other businessmen: 77%
› Are as patriotic as other Americans:
68%
› Place a higher value on education than do most other groups in America: 67% {P. 21}
he study also revealed that one-quarter (25%) of Americans holds very negative
attitudes and stereotypes of Chinese Americans. The prejudices of this group
center on beliefs that Chinese Americans:
T
› Are more loyal to China than to the U.S.: 87%
› Have too much influence in the U.S. high technology sector: 82%
› Always like to be at the head of things:
{P. 22}
81%
he group of Americans who voice the greatest anti-Chinese American
sentiments tend to be those that are less educated, less affluent, and less
politically active. It is somewhat higher among residents of the South and
significantly less among residents of the West. {P. 29}
T
hree out of five of the most prejudiced Americans see the increase in
the Asian population as being bad for this country (57%) and express
resentment over immigrants succeeding more than the native-born
Americans (62%). {P. 50,52}
T
M
any Americans believe that China will be a future threat to the U.S. (68%)
and have unfavorable impressions of the Chinese government (61%).
{P. 31-33}
N
F
early half of Americans believe that Chinese Americans passing on secret
information to China is a problem (46%).{P. 35-37}
ewer Americans believe that Asian Americans face a lot of racial
discrimination (15%) — compared to those who believe that African
Americans (35%) or Hispanics (28%) face a lot of discrimination. {P. 39}
owever, discriminatory attitudes toward Asian Americans are common in
some areas. A significant proportion of Americans say they would be
uncomfortable having an Asian American as President of the U.S. (23%), as the
CEO of a Fortune 500 company (7%), or as a supervisor at work (6%) —
compared with having an African American, a woman, or a Jewish American in
these positions. {P. 40}
H
imilarly, a quarter (24%) would disapprove if someone in their family were
to marry an Asian American and 17% would be upset if a substantial
number of Asian Americans moved into their neighborhood. Again, among the
most prejudiced Americans, over one-third would disapprove if someone in
their family were to marry an Asian American (38%), or be upset if a substantial
number of Asian Americans moved into their neighborhood (34%). {P. 44-46}
S
Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners Summary
|
of Findings
{19}
{20}
Detailed Findings
Perceived Attitudes and Stereotypes
of Chinese Americans
Positive Sentiment Toward
Chinese Americans
Overall, Americans hold many positive views of Chinese Americans, particularly that they:
› Have strong family values
› Are as honest as other businessmen
› Are as patriotic as other Americans
› Place a higher value on education than do most other groups in America.
Probably
True
Probably
False
Not
Sure
Are as honest as other businessmen
68%
Place a higher value on education
than do most other groups in America
67%
Have contributed much to the cultural life of America
27%
Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners Percieved
|
Attitudes and Stereotypes of Chinese Americans
11%
24%
30%
9%
14%
42%
47%
35%
9%
21%
56%
Work harder than other ethnic groups in the U.S.
More intelligent than other ethnic groups
14%
77%
Are as patriotic as other Americans
Commit less crime than other ethnic groups
3% 6%
91%
Have strong family values
44%
63%
11%
21%
10%
{21}
{22}
Negative Sentiment Toward
Chinese Americans
At the same time, a sizeable minority of Americans holds
negative stereotypes of Chinese Americans.
› The most prevalent involve perceptions that Chinese Americans have too
much power and influence, and are more loyal to China than to the U.S.
Probably
True
Probably
False
Have too much influence in
the U.S. high technology sector
32%
Are more loyal to China than to the U.S.
32%
Overly aggressive in the workplace
54%
34%
Always like to be at the head of things
Hard to get close to, make friends with
Not
Sure
28%
26%
Just taking away too many jobs from Americans
24%
Have too much power in the business world
23%
50%
48%
58%
56%
68%
68%
12%
18%
20%
14%
18%
8%
9%
Negative Sentiment Toward
Chinese Americans
Other anti-Chinese American stereotypes, held by fewer Americans, include
being clannish, conceited, unfair in business, and two-faced.
Probably
True
Don’t care what happens to anyone but their own kind
Not
Sure
21%
So shrewd in business that other people
do not have a fair chance at competition
19%
Not likely to participate in their community
18%
Tend to be conceited, think they are better than others
16%
More willing than others to use shady
practices to get what they want
16%
Have a lot of irritating faults
15%
Two-faced — likely to say one thing, but do another
Probably
False
13%
|
68%
11%
71%
10%
68%
73%
71%
70%
71%
14%
11%
13%
15%
16%
{23}
{24}
Index of Attitudes
Toward Chinese Americans
In order to understand the degree of negative Chinese American sentiment,
an Index was developed using twelve negative statements about impressions
of Chinese Americans.
The Index defines the level of negative Chinese American sentiment, and
divides Americans into three categories:
› Positive Stereotypes (32%) — did not agree with any of the statements
› Somewhat Negative Stereotypes (43%) — agreed with 1 to 4 statements
› Very Negative Stereotypes (25%) — agreed with 5 or more statements
Index score based on
agreement with number
of negative statements
Percent
Number
0
32
(325)
1
17
(165)
2
11
(109)
3
8
(79)
4
6
(65)
5
5
(46)
6
4
(39)
7
4
(39)
8
3
(29)
9
2
(20)
10
3
(30)
11
2
(22)
12
2
(16)
32% — Positive Stereotypes
43% — Somewhat Negative Stereotypes
25% — Very Negative Stereotypes
Attitudes Toward Chinese Americans
Very
Negative
Attitudes
Somewhat
Negative
Attitudes
25%
43%
Positive
Attitudes
32%
|
{25}
{26}
Index of Attitudes Toward
Chinese Americans*
Statement
Positive
Somewhat Negative
Very Negative
25%
43%
% of Total Americans
32%
Are more loyal to China than to the U.S.
0
36
87
Have too much influence in the U.S. high technology sector
0
41
82
0
39
81
0
15
73
0
28
72
0
14
72
0
13
68
0
34
66
More willing to use shady practices to get what they want
0
6
60
So shrewd in business that other people do not have a fair
chance at competition
0
13
57
0
8
52
Two-faced - likely to say one thing, but do another
0
7
51
*Note: Percentages of non-Chinese Americans who agreed with each of the above statements
Positive Stereotypes of Chinese
Americans by Index*
Americans who are very prejudiced are less likely to hold positive stereotypes of Chinese Americans, with the
exception of having strong family values and placing a higher value on education.
Statement
Positive
Somewhat Negative
Very Negative
25%
43%
32%
Have strong family values
91
93
98
Are as honest as other businessmen
90
80
55
Are as patriotic as other Americans
89
67
43
Have contributed much to the cultural life of America
72
54
39
Place a higher value on education than do most
other groups in America
60
70
72
Work harder than other ethnic groups in the U.S.
35
52
54
Commit less crime than other ethnic groups
27
37
43
More intelligent than other ethnic groups
17
27
40
*Note: Percentages of non-Chinese Americans who agreed with each of the above statements
|
{27}
{28}
Demographic Profile by Index*
Prejudice towards Chinese Americans is most common among the lower
educated, lower income, and those who are not politically active. It is
somewhat higher among residents of the South and significantly less among
residents of the West.
This study, like other studies on prejudice, shows that the main sources of
prejudice are a lack of education and a lower level of cognitive sophistication
associated with a lower education.
Statement
Positive
Somewhat Negative
Very Negative
25%
43%
32%
Education
HS grad or less
Some college
College grad or more
23
37
52
42
48
38
35
15
10
35
37
28
43
41
43
22
22
29
25
30
34
51
40
50
46
40
35
20
20
8
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
31
40
25
40
42
39
44
44
27
20
31
16
Not Politically Active
27
41
30
Age
18-34
35-49
50+
Income
Under $35,000
$35,000 – under $50,000
$50,000 – under $75,000
$75,000+
Region
*Note: Percentages are row-based, not column-based
|
{29}
{30}
Detailed Findings
The Nature and Extent of Attitudes
Toward China and Chinese Americans
Americans’ Impressions of
Foreign Relations
Many Americans have negative views about China. Two-thirds (68%) see China as a future threat to the U.S., and
three in five (61%) have an unfavorable impression of the government of China.
{I’d like you to think about various countries which may present a future threat to the U.S. – perhaps ten years in the future. For
each one, please tell me if each country is an extreme threat, somewhat of a threat, not much of a threat, or no threat at all? What is
your impression of the government of (CHINA, IRAQ, RUSSIA, JAPAN)? What is your impression of the people of (CHINA, IRAQ,
RUSSIA, JAPAN)?}
Future threat to U.S.
Iraq
%
China
%
Russia
%
Japan
%
85
68
57
39
89
61
56
28
58
23
27
16
SUMMARY OF “ EXTREME/SOMEWHAT OF A THREAT ”
Unfavorable impression
of foreign government
S UMMARY OF “ SOMEWHAT/VERY
UNFAVORABLE”
Unfavorable impression
of foreign people
SUMMARY OF “ SOMEWHAT/VERY UNFAVORABLE”
Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners The
| Nature and Extent of Attitudes Toward China and Chinese Americans
{31}
{32}
Future Threat to U.S.
Those with a high degree of prejudice toward Chinese Americans are also more likely to believe that China will be a
future threat to the U.S.
{I’d like you to think about various countries which may present a future threat to the U.S. – perhaps ten years in the future.
For each one, please tell me if each country is an extreme threat, somewhat of a threat, not much of a threat, or no threat at all?}
Very Negative Stereotypes
Somewhat Negative Stereotypes
Positive Stereotypes
Summary of “extreme/somewhat of a threat”
87%
Iraq
84%
86%
75%
China
68%
63%
70%
Russia
58%
46%
57%
Japan
39%
25%
Impression of Foreign Governments
Two-thirds (66%) of Americans with very negative stereotypes have unfavorable impressions of the Chinese government.
{What is your impression of the government of (CHINA, IRAQ, RUSSIA, JAPAN)? As of today, is it very favorable, somewhat
favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable?}
Summary of “somewhat/very unfavorable”
87%
Iraq
89%
92%
66%
China
60%
59%
63%
Russia
58%
51%
43%
Japan
29%
16%
{33}
{34}
Impression of Foreign People
By far, the group most likely to hold unfavorable impressions of the people of China are the Americans with very
negative stereotypes (45%).
› Only eight percent of those without prejudice towards Chinese Americans view the people of China unfavorably.
{What is your impression of the people of (CHINA, IRAQ, RUSSIA, JAPAN)? As of today, is it very favorable, somewhat favorable,
somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable?}
Summary of “somewhat/very unfavorable”
76%
Iraq
59%
46%
47%
Russia
28%
10%
45%
China
22%
8%
38%
Japan
15%
3%
Passing Secret Information
Nearly half (46%) of Americans believe that Chinese Americans passing on secret information to the Chinese
government is a problem.
{Do you think Chinese Americans passing on secret information to the Chinese government is a problem in the U.S.,
or is not a problem?}
Total Respondents
Not Sure
16%
Is a
Problem
Is Not
a Problem
46%
38%
{35}
{36}
Passing Secret Information
Americans with the most negative stereotypes are the most likely to feel that passing on secret information to the
Chinese government is a problem (75%).
{Do you think Chinese Americans passing on secret information to the Chinese government is a problem in the U.S.,
or is not a problem?}
Not Sure
Is a
Problem
20%
25%
Not
Sure
Not Sure
8%
15%
Is Not
a Problem
Is a
Problem
Is Not
a Problem
Is Not
a Problem
47%
38%
17%
Is a
Problem
75%
55%
{37}
{38}
Detailed Findings
Attitudes Toward Asian Americans
Amount of Racial
Discrimination Faced
Americans believe that Asian Americans face less discrimination than African
or Hispanic Americans, but nevertheless:
› Three in five (62%) Americans believe Asian Americans face “a lot” (15%) or
“some” (47%) discrimination.
{How much racial discrimination do you think each of the following groups face today?
Do you think they face a lot, some, a little, or none at all?}
A Lot
Some
A Little
None At All
Total Respondents
35%
African American
28%
Hispanic
Asian American
Jewish American
39%
44%
15%
10%
Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners Attitudes
|
Toward Asian Americans
18%
19%
47%
37%
8%
8%
26%
31%
12%
22%
{39}
{40}
Asian Americans
in Positions of Power
Americans are more uncomfortable having an Asian American as President of the U.S., CEO of a Fortune 500
company, or a supervisor at work – compared with having an African American, a woman, or a Jewish American.
{If you were voting for President of the United States, how would you feel about voting for a(n) (ASIAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN
AMERICAN/JEWISH AMERICAN/WOMAN) – would you prefer that, would it make you uncomfortable, or would it not make any
difference at all? Please think about a CEO from a Fortune 500 company…Suppose at your workplace you had a supervisor...}
Summary of “uncomfortable”
Total Respondents
23%
15%
President of the U.S.
14%
11%
7%
CEO of a Fortune 500 Company
4%
3%
4%
6%
Supervisor at Work
4%
3%
3%
Asian American
African American
A Woman
Jewish American
President of the United States
More than half (52%) of the most prejudiced group are uncomfortable voting for an Asian American for
President of the U.S.
{If you were voting for President of the United States, how would you feel about voting for a(n) (ASIAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN
AMERICAN/JEWISH AMERICAN/WOMAN) – would you prefer that, would it make you uncomfortable, or would it not make
any difference at all?}
Total Respondents
52%
Asian American
20%
7%
35%
African American
12%
5%
21%
A Woman
14%
8%
25%
Jewish American
10%
3%
|
{41}
{42}
CEO of a
Fortune 500 Company
One in five (20%) of the most anti-Chinese Americans would be uncomfortable with an Asian American as CEO of a
Fortune 500 company.
{Please think about a CEO from a Fortune 500 company. How would you feel about a(n) (ASIAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN
AMERICAN/JEWISH AMERICAN/WOMAN) in a CEO position -- would you prefer that, would it make you uncomfortable, or
would it not make any difference at all?}
20%
Asian American
4%
1%
11%
African American
4%
1%
11%
Jewish American
4%
0%
7%
A Woman
3%
1%
Supervisor at Work
One in six (18%) of the most prejudiced Americans would be uncomfortable with an Asian American as a supervisor.
{Suppose at your workplace you had a (ASIAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN AMERICAN/JEWISH AMERICAN/WOMAN) supervisor–
would you prefer that, would it make you uncomfortable, or would it not make any difference at all?}
18%
Asian American
3%
1%
9%
African American
3%
2%
5%
A Woman
4%
2%
7%
Jewish American
1%
1%
|
{43}
{44}
Asian Americans as
Marital Partners or Neighbors
One-quarter (24%) of Americans would disapprove if a member of their family married an Asian American, and one
in six (17%) would be upset if a substantial number of Asian Americans moved into their neighborhood.
{How would you feel if someone in your family married a person of (ASIAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN AMERICAN/JEWISH
AMERICAN/HISPANIC) descent? Would you approve strongly, approve somewhat, would not care, disapprove somewhat, or
disapprove strongly?}
{Let’s think about the neighborhood where you live – how would you feel about a substantial number of (ASIAN AMERICANS/
AFRICAN AMERICANS/JEWISH AMERICANS/HISPANICS) moving to your neighborhood – do you think that would upset you
personally a lot, some, only a little, or not at all?}
Total Respondents
Marriage
Moving to neighborhood
Summary of
“disapprove strongly/somewhat”
Summary of
“a lot/some”
34%
African American
Asian American
Hispanic
Jewish American
19%
24%
17%
21%
21%
16%
9%
Marriage
Although not as much as for African Americans, two in five (38%) of Americans with very negative stereotypes
would disapprove if someone in their family married an Asian American.
{How would you feel if someone in your family married a person of (ASIAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN AMERICAN/JEWISH
AMERICAN/HISPANIC) descent? Would you approve strongly, approve somewhat, would not care, disapprove somewhat, or
disapprove strongly?}
Summary of “disapprove strongly/somewhat”
44%
African American
35%
24%
38%
Asian American
24%
13%
32%
Hispanic
20%
15%
26%
Jewish American
15%
11%
|
{45}
{46}
Moving to Your Neighborhood
One-third (34%) of very prejudiced Americans would be upset if a substantial number of Asian Americans moved
into their neighborhood.
› Just as many would be upset if Hispanics or African Americans moved into their neighborhood.
{Let’s think about the neighborhood where you live – how would you feel about a substantial number of (ASIAN
AMERICANS/AFRICAN AMERICANS/JEWISH AMERICANS/HISPANICS) moving to your neighborhood – do you think that
would upset you personally a lot, some, only a little, or not at all?}
Summary of “a lot/some”
34%
Hispanic
19%
13%
35%
African American
16%
12%
34%
Asian American
14%
8%
17%
Jewish American
6%
6%
|
{47}
{48}
Detailed Findings
Attitudes Toward Immigration
View of Immigrants in U.S.
Half of Americans believe that the influx of Asian Americans and Hispanics in the past ten years has been good for
America, about one-quarter are not sure.
{The (Hispanic/Asian American) population in the U.S. has increased significantly in the past ten years – do you believe this is good
for America or bad for America?}
Asian Americans
49%
Good for America
Bad for America
Not Sure
Hispanics
28%
23%
|
Toward Immigration
45%
31%
24%
{49}
{50}
Increased Population
of Asian Americans
Nearly three in five (57%) of the most prejudiced Americans believe the increased Asian population is bad
for America.
{The (Hispanic/Asian American) population in the U.S. has increased significantly in the past ten years – do you believe this is good
for America or bad for America?}
Asian Americans
28%
Good for America
48%
64%
57%
Bad for America
26%
9%
15%
Not sure/decline to answer (VOL)
25%
24%
Americans have an underlying uneasiness about immigrants succeeding more than Americans who were born in the
U.S., with over one-third (35%) mostly or completely agreeing with this statement.
{Please tell me whether you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree with the following statement:
“It bothers me to see immigrants succeeding more than Americans who were born here.”}
Total Respondents
Completely Agree
17%
Mostly Agree
18%
24%
Mostly Disagree
38%
Completely Disagree
Not Sure
3%
|
Toward Immigration
{51}
{52}
Three in five (62%) of the most prejudiced Americans completely (38%) or mostly (24%) agree that they are bothered
by immigrants succeeding more than Americans who were born here.
{Please tell me whether you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree with the following statement:
“It bothers me to see immigrants succeeding more than Americans who were born here.”}
38%
Completely Agree
12%
7%
24%
Mostly Agree
21%
8%
15%
Mostly Disagree
27%
30%
20%
Completely Disagree
35%
52%
|
Toward Immigration
{53}
{54}
Respondent Profile
Age
%
Political Activity
%
18 - 24
13
Leadership role of organization
30
25 - 29
10
Written or contacted official
25
30 - 34
11
Given money
20
35 - 39
12
None of these
51
40 - 49
20
50 - 64
18
Race
%
65 or older
16
White
78
African American
12
Hispanic
5
Mean
44.4 years
Education
%
Native American
2
8th grade or less
2
Mixed
1
Some high school
11
Asian
1
High school graduate
39
Other
1
Some college
26
College graduate
15
Religious Affiliation
%
Protestant
38
Catholic
22
Jewish
2
Postgraduate study
Gender
7
%
Male
48
Something else
31
Female
52
No religious preference
7
Geographic Regions
%
Travel outside of U.S.
%
Northeast
20
Yes
59
Midwest
23
No
41
South
35
West
22
Where traveled
%
Europe
26
Income
%
Canada
23
Less than $20K
16
Mexico
23
$20K to less than $35K
22
Asia
11
21
Central/South America
9
17
Caribbean/Jamaica
8
7
Middle East
5
$100K or more
8
Australia
4
Refused
9
Africa
3
$48.6K
Other
1
Mean
Locality
%
Urban
25
Suburban
48
Rural
27
Marital status
%
Married
55
Unmarried couple living together
2
Single, never married
23
Divorced/separated
12
Widowed
7
Refused
1
Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners Respondent
|
Profile
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Appendix
Index of Attitudes Toward Asian Americans
The same twelve negative statements were used to develop an Index to evaluate the level of anti-Asian American
sentiment. A total of 214 Americans were asked about their impressions of Asian Americans, and were also divided
into the three categories:
› Positive Stereotypes (29%) — did not agree with any of the statements
› Somewhat Negative Stereotypes (44%) — agreed with 1 to 4 statements
› Very Negative Stereotypes (27%) — agreed with 5 or more statements
Index score based on
agreement with number
of negative statements
Percent
Number
0
29
(62)
1
18
(38)
2
13
(26)
3
8
(18)
4
5
(10)
5
6
(12)
6
4
(7)
7
8
(18)
8
2
(3)
9
2
(4)
10
3
(6)
11
1
(3)
12
1
(2)
29% — Positive Stereotypes
44% — Somewhat Negative Stereotypes
27% — Very Negative Stereotypes
Index of Attitudes
Toward Asian Americans*
Statement
Positive
Somewhat Negative
Very Negative
27%
44%
29%
0
39
82
Have too much influence in the U.S. high technology sector
0
39
79
More loyal to country of origin than to the U.S.
0
38
86
0
34
67
0
25
69
0
15
71
0
14
69
0
13
66
So shrewd in business that other people do not have
a fair chance at competition
0
12
55
0
9
53
Two-faced - likely to say one thing, but do another
0
7
51
More willing to use shady practices to get what they want
0
7
59
*Note: Percentages of non-Asian Americans who agreed with each of the twelve statements included in the Index.
Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners Appendix
|
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Committee of 100 | Yankelovich Partners
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American Attitudes Toward Chinese Americans

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