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Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week 5/8/89 [OA 6263]
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Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week 5/8/89 [OA 6263]
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Folder Title:
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week 5/8/89 [OA 6263]
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26
18
7
7
Eumy Provent
Si Clour
PA14305.04
Scott =
foitaing quotes
(Smith/Wallace)
PM B3
May 3, 1989
Funny Story
Draft One
PN 405.58
ASIAN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN HERITAGE
ROSE GARDEN
MAY 8, 1989
Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans. lao peng yomen
(ohl fries)
First, I want to say what a pleasure it is to be welcome you
to the White House. I'm reminded of the Chinese proverb which
says: "
We meet today in a special week -- Asian Heritage Week --
and for a very special reason: To salute how the Asian community
has enriched America's community -- socially, culturally,
economically, spiritually.
You know, in my February 9 budget speech to Congress, I
quoted a Chinese writer named Lin Yutang [You-TANG]. It was Lin
who once said, "
"
all
And he also observed, "
Well, today, as we proclaim this Asian Heritage Week, let me
observe that I, too, have spent much of my life with Asian-
in
Americans. I've seen first-and, up [your close and personal, the
strength of the Asian community.
When Iwas
we
As Ambassador to China, Barbara and I came to know, and
share, Asians' respect for authority, and your belief in God.
And whether bicycling to the grocery, going to the Zoo, or
attending a non-denominal church, we shared, and loved, your
emphasis on family.
Then, as now, I saw, and felt, the Asian values which lift
America -- caring and discipline, love of country and belief in
work. Values which today enrich our medial schools, our legal
profession, our small and large businesses.
My friends, you've found a better life. And you're building
a better America. You're creating new jobs. And honoring your
heritage by the lives you lead.
For that, I thank you. And yet I challenge you, too.
Together, let us show that the Promise of America is the Promise
of Opportunity -- for rural and urban, native-born and foreign-
born, Asian and non-Asian. Together, let us say to those left
behind: "Do not despair. We will help you catch up."
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1989
It is a pleasure to send best wishes to everyone
observing Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week 1989.
The thousands of immigrants from Asia and the Pacific
who braved the unknown and ventured to our nation's
shores have helped to write the story of America's
success. Their legacy is a proud one, marked by
significant achievements in the arts, science, education,
and business.
Today, Asian and Pacific Americans continue to enrich
our life as a nation. Your efforts to preserve the
proud traditions of your ancestral homelands greatly
enhance the beauty and color of American culture.
Your faith, your determination and hard work, and
your devotion to family life inspire men and women
throughout the United States. The celebration of
Asian/Pacific Heritage Week provides a welcome oppor-
tunity to acknowledge the many contributions you have
made to American society and to thank you for them.
Barbara joins me in sending our best wishes for a most
successful and enjoyable week. God bless you.
ag Bush
(Smith/Wallace)
May 3, 1989
Draft One
the
ASIAN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN HERITAGE WEEK
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, MAY 8, 1989
O Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans.
O You know, an Oriental proverb says, "The two words,
'peace' and 'tranquility,' are worth a thousand pieces of gold."
Well, my pleasure in welcoming you to the White House would be
worth a thousand times that total.
O We meet as special friends, in a special week, and for a
very special reason: To salute the millions of immigrants from
Asia and the Pacific who braved the unknown and ventured to our
shores. And whose community has enriched America's community --
socially, culturally, economically, spiritually.
O Someone once told me of a restaurant in China where three
American tourists walked in wearing the most outlandish safari
clothes, complete with Panama hats, backpacks, videocameras, a
brace of walkmans and a few Chinese phrases picked up from a
stateside friend who happens to own a wok.
2
o The friends stood around looking for a waiter, and
finally one asked in a loud voice: "How do we attract
attention?"
O My friends, as we proclaim this Asian/Pacific Heritage
Week, let me observe that you haven't had to rely on outrageous
attire to "attract attention." You've done it quietly, through
excellence, with the values of your lives.
O Those values are, of course, discipline and self-
sacrifice. Humility and compassion. An abiding belief in work.
A soaring love of freedom. Values which brought your parents,
your grandparents, and some of you to America. Values which are
now enriching America.
o I think, for example, of pioneers like Gerald Tsai, Jr.
of American Can. Or countless teachers who uplift our kids. Or
Henry Tang and I.M. Pei. Or Sichan Siv of our White House staff.
o In 1976, Sichan escaped from Cambodia, spent three months
in a refugee camp in Thailand, and finally made his way to the
United States. Since then, to quote his words, "I have
experienced the real values of freedom, peace, prosperity,
independence, and democracy. The correct spelling of these words
is A-M-E-R-I-C-A."
3
My friends, he -- you -- came to find a better life. And
you're finding it. You came to build a better America. And
you're building it. Creating new jobs. Enhancing our medical
schools, the law, our small and large businesses. In short,
honoring your heritage by the lives you lead.
o For that, I congratulate you. And, in a personal sense,
I want to thank you, too. For as Ambassador to China, I came,
with Barbara, to love that heritage. And in a different
different ways -- with a thousand different friends -- to see,
and share, what lies at its center: the family.
o
Ten weeks ago, on a trip to the Pacific Rim, Bar and I
visited the non-denominational church we'd attended in Bejing.
It's different now, bigger. But the values -- the heritage --
are the same. And the memories are even better. Like when our
daughter Dora was baptized -- the first person to be publicly
baptized in China in over 40 years.
o
Yes, the Asian/Pacific community has a special place in
my heart. And so does an old Chinese proverb which I have often
cited. It goes, "One generation plants the trees; another gets
the shade.' "
o For decades, Asian-Americans have planted the trees of
prosperity, opportunity, and human dignity. And in coming years,
4
more than ever, I know that my children -- America's children --
will thank you for the shade.
O God bless you, thank you for coming here, and God bless
the United States of America.
# # # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1989
Dear Friends:
On behalf of President Bush, it is my pleasure to invite you to
join us at the White House to witness a Presidential proclamation
signing ceremony declaring the week of May 6-13 as Asian/Pacific
American Heritage Week, 1989.
The President's proclamation marks a continuing recognition of
the rich cultural heritage Americans of Asian and Pacific descent
have brought to our country. President Bush knows that while all
Americans unite in the love of the freedom, independence, and
democracy that our country offers, it is also appropriate that
Americans celebrate and promote their diverse cultural
backgrounds.
Shortly after the proclamation signing ceremony, you are also
invited to a briefing on topics relating to Asia and the Pacific
in the Old Executive Office Building. The ceremony and briefing
will take place beginning at ten o'clock in the morning on
Monday, May 8, 1989. If you would like to be with us, please
respond by phone to (202) 456-2499 on either May 3rd or 4th
between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight
Time. Because space is limited we will only be able to
accomodate a limited number of guests.
For purposes of security, when you call, it will be necessary for
you to furnish us with the correct spelling of your first and
last name as it appears on your driver's license or passport,
your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
On May 8th, please arrive at the White House's East Visitors
Gate on East Executive Drive near the U.S. Treasury Building, no
later than 9:15 a.m. In order to be admitted to this ceremony
and the briefing, you are required to bring identification
bearing your photograph, date of birth, and Social Security
number. We look forward to having you join us for this ceremony
and the briefing celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage
Week, 1989.
Sincerely,
freham And
Sichan Siv
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Public Liaison
the
grossy
As Ambassador to China, I came, with Barbara, to know,
and love, your compassion, and faith in God And in a hundred
different ways -- with a thousand different friends -- we saw,
and shared, your emphasis on family.
O Ten weeks ago, on a trip to the Pacific Rim, Bar and I
visited the non-denominational church we'd attended in Peking
Bein
It's different now, bigger. But the values are the same, and the
memories are even better. Like when our daughter Dora was
baptized -- the first person to be publicly baptized in China ivn
over 40 years.
jame
we
lifers
,Pail
o My friends, then, as now, we felt the Asian values which
will
puder
lift America -- caring and discipline, love of country and belief
in work Values which today enrich our medial schools, our legal
profession, our small and large businesses.
sus
we
Geels
Sicher
for
when
your
o Those values brought your parents, your grandparents, and
some of you to America, They -- you -- came to find a better
life. You're finding it. And you're building a better America.
Creating new jobs. Forging leaders like
,
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and
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foreign-born, Asian and non-Asian. Together, let us say to those
left behind: "Do not despair. We will help you catch up."
O And as we do, let me remind of the old Chinese proverb
which goes: "One generation plants the trees; another gets the
shade."
O For decades, Asian-Americans have planted the trees of
prosperity, opportunity, and human dignity. And in coming years,
more than ever, I know that America will thank you for the shade.
O God bless you, thank you for coming here, and God bless
the United States of America.
# # # #
To promote prosperity and human dignity -- this is the
meaning of Asian Heritage Week. And our enduring mission as
Americans.
as we do, let's recall these words of
So, let us join hands together, for MA
God bless you, thank you for coming here, and God bless the
America that we, as one, are building.
# # # #
FRANK HORTON
DISTRICT OFFICES:
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
314 KENNETH B. KEATING BUILDING
29TH DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
ROCHESTER, NY 14614
Congress of the United States
(716) 263-6270
COMMITTEES:
FTS-963-6270
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
house of Representatives
WAYNE COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
RANKING MINORITY MEMBER
LYONS, NY 14489
POST OFFICE AND
Mashington, DC 20515
CIVIL SERVICE
307 METCALF PLAZA
144 GENESEE STREET
DEAN, NEW YORK
April 26, 1989
AUBURN, NY 13021
REPUBLICAN DELEGATION
(315) 255-1125
FTS 953-2244/953-2220
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
2229
RAYBURN BUILDING
2108
RIVERFRONT OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
OSWEGO, NY 13126
(202) 225-4916
(315) 342-4688
RUBY G. Moy
FTS 950-5344
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Dear Mr. Siv:
Enclosed is a copy of my letter to President
Bush concerning the signing ceremony of Asian/
Pacific American Heritage Week. Because this
week is of special significance to my office,
it is my sincere hope that my request to have
the Jew Family and Ms. Moy and her family be
included.
With best regards,
Sincerely,
Frank Horton rank Horton
Honorable Sichan Siv
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Public Liaison
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Encl.
FRANK HORTON
DISTRICT OFFICES:
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
314 KENNETH B. KEATING BUILDING
29TH DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
ROCHESTER, NY 14614
(716) 454-7490
COMMITTEES:
FTS-963-6270
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Congress of the United States
(TUESDAY ONLY)
RANKING MINORITY MEMBER
WAYNE COUNTY COURT HOUSE
POST OFFICE AND
house of Representatives
26 CHURCH STREET
LYONS. NY 14489
CIVIL SERVICE
Mashington, DC 20515
(315) 946-5996
CHAIRMAN, NEW YORK BIPARTISAN
307 METCALF PLAZA
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
144 GENESEE STREET
April 26, 1989
AUBURN, NY 13021
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
(315) 255-1125
2108 RAYBURN BUILDING
FTS 953-2222
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-4916
RIVERFRONT OFFICE BUILDING
RUBY G. Mor
OSWEGO, NY 13126
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
(315) 342-4688
Honorable George Bush
5/2/89
The President
Jeannie & Robt
The White House
Jew
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
were phoned byA
Ruby Moy
I was pleased to learn that the White House will have a signing ceremony
and accepted
declaring May 6-13 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. As the chief
sponsor of legislation for this week, it is my hope that not only Members of
Congress be invited, but those two persons most directly responsible for this
legislation, Jeanie F. Jew, the creator for the idea of a commemorative week
and Ruby G. Moy, Chairman, Congressional Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week
Caucus, who assisted Mrs. Jew in the passage of the legislation.
While many organizations continue to celebrate this week, its origins have been
misstated. I wish to point out this specifically and hope your remarks on
May 8 will include the following:
The creation of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week has a special and personal
place for Jeanie Jew and her family. The story began some time in the 1800s
when a young man, M. Y. Lee, left Canton, China to find a better life in America.
Mr. Lee was one of the first Chinese pioneers to help build the Transcontinental
Railroad. He later became a prominent California businessman. When Chinese
immigrants were having difficulties in Oregon, he went to help and was killed
during that period. The revelation about Mr. Lee and the stories of other Asian
Americans led one woman to believe that not only should Asians understand their
own heritage but that all Americans should know about the contributions and
histories of the Asian/Pacific Americans experience in the United States. This
is the chief reason why Mrs. Jew and Ms. Moy selected May 10. The creator of
the idea for the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week is the grand-daughter of
that early pioneer: Jeanie Jew. In addition, Ruby G. Moy is a second generation
Chinese-American and holds the highest professional level among Asians in the
Congress.
451-8188
Mr. President, I hope that Mr. and Mrs. Jew and Ms. Moy will have a prominent
place in your remarks on May 8 and that special seating signify their presence.
With kindest personal regards,
Sincerely,
Tank
Frank Horton
FH:ela
H 6304
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE
July 10, 1978
For years, Mrs. McQuade has worked
resolution (H.J. Res. 1007) authorizing
achievements
tirelessly to establish Grandparents Day.
should
be
the President to proclaim a week, which
suitably
She has been instrumental in Grand-
honored.
is to include the 7th and 10th of the
parents Day designations in 25 States
I will support House Joint Resolution
month, during the first 10 days in May of
as well as a resolution that has already
1007 and urge my colleagues to do the
1979 as "Asian/Pacific American Herit-
been approved by our colleagues in the
same.
age Week" as amended.
Senate. All of us who are now grand-
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my
The Clerk read as follows:
parents, and those who will be in the
colleague, the gentleman from New York
H.J. RES. 1007
future, owe Mrs. McQuade a debt of
(Mr. HORTON).
gratitude.e
Resolved by the Senate and House of
Mr. HORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no
Representatives of the United States of
support of House Joint Resolution 1007,
America in Congress assembled, That the
further requests for time.
a resolution calling upon the President of
President is hereby authorized and requested
Mr. ROUSSELOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield
to issue during the first ten days of May of
the United States to proclaim a week
3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio
1979, which is to include the seventh and
during the first 10 days in May to honor
(Mr. LATTA).
tenth days of the month, a proclamation
Americans of Asian/Pacific heritage.
(By unanimous consent, Mr. LATTA was
designating the seventh day beginning on
Mr. Speaker, over 2 million Americans
allowed to speak out of order.)
May 4, 1979, as "Asian/Pacific American
can trace their ancestry to Asian/Pacific
(Mr. LATTA asked and was given per-
Heritage Week" and calling upon the peo-
areas of the world. Their contribution to
mission to revise and extend his re-
ple of the United States especially the edu-
the growth of the United States has been
cational community to obselve such week
marks.)
an example for all Americans.
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO RECENT DEATHS OF TWO
One year ago, Congressman NORMAN
ARMY RECRUITS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is a sec-
MINETA and I set about obtaining the
ond demanded.
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, on June 29,
necessary 218 cosponsors of the resolu-
1978, two young Army recruits, on their
Mr. ROUSSELOT. Mr. Speaker, I de-
tion in order to comply with the rules of
first day of basic training, died at Fort
mand a second.
the Post Office and Civil Service Com-
Jackson, S.C. One of these recruits,
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without
mittee. We would like to express our
Wayne A. Krassow, 18, was from Cygnet,
objection, a second will be considered as
gratitude to the 231 Members of the
ordered.
House who supported us.
Ohio, which is located in my district.
The other recruit was Lester T. Watts,
There was no objection.
I would also like to express our deepest
17, of York, S.C. Both were fine young
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
appreciation to Jeanie F. Jew, chairper-
gentleman from Florida (Mr. LEHMAN)
son of the National Coalition for an
men.
Since both of these recruits were in
will be recognized for 20 minutes, and
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Proc-
their first day of training, it is natural
the gentleman from California (Mr.
lamation and to Ruby G. Moy, chairper-
that the Army should investigate their
ROUSSELOT) will be recognized for 20
son of the Asian/Pacific Congressional
minutes.
Caucus, for their enthusiastic and hercu-
deaths and the investigation is now going
forward. I have been promised a report
The Chair recognizes the gentleman
lean contributions in making this proc-
from Florida (Mr. LEHMAN).
lamation a reality.
from the Army some time today.
have asked the chairman of the Com-
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield
While this resolution is geared to the
myself such time as I may consume.
year 1979, we are hopeful that the Pres-
mittee on Armed Services, the gentleman
(Mr. LEHMAN asked and was given
ident will see fit to proclaim such a week
from Illinois, Mr. MEL PRICE, to also in-
permission to revise and extend his
in subsequent years. For the 2 million
vestigate their deaths and the activities
remarks.)
of their company which immediately pre-
Americans of Asian/Pacific heritage,
ceded the same. At this point in time we
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, House
such a commemoration is a most wel-
Joint Resolution 1007 has over 235 sig-
come recognition.
are not certain as to what happened to
natures. It was introduced by the gentle-
cause these two young men to collapse
Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest ele-
man from California (Mr. MINETA).
and die on their first day of training. We
ments of our society has been its ability
must have such an independent investi-
Mr. ROUSSELOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield
to accommodate socially, politically, and
myself such time as I may consume.
gation in order to establish the cause of
culturally, the millions of people who
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House
their deaths beyond any doubt whatso-
have come to our land from all over the
Joint Resolution 1007 which authorizes
world. I am pleased and proud to be as-
ever.
the President to proclaim a week, to in-
The chairman of the committee has
sociated with this resolution recognizing
clude the 7th and 10th of the first 10
assured me that the Committee on Armed
our Asian/Pacific brothers and sisters
days of May 1979, as "Asian/Pacific
Services will undertake such investiga-
and urge the House to adopt the resolu-
American Heritage Week." House Joint
tion.
tion of its own and I thank the chairman
Resolution 1007 was reported unani-
for this assurance.
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield
mously by the Post Office and Civil Serv-
Mr. ROUSSELOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield
such time as he may consume to the
ice Committee on June 21.
back the balance of my time.
gentleman from California (Mr.
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no
This resolution is consistent with pre-
MINETA).
further requests for time, and I yield
vious resolutions which have recognized
(Mr. MINETA asked and was given
the contributions of black Americans
back the balance of my time.
permission to revise and extend his
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ques-
and those of Spanish heritage.
remarks.)
tion is on the motion offered by the
The 7th and 10th of May are especially
Mr. MINETA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to
gentleman from Florida (Mr. LEHMAN)
significant in the history of Asian/Pa-
express my strong support for House
that the House suspend the rules and
cific Americans as they represent ac-
Joint Resolution 1007, a resolution urg-
pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 613)
complishments and contributions to this
ing the President to proclaim a week in
as amended.
country.
May 1979 recognizing the contribution
The question was taken.
First. May 7, 1979, will be the 136th
of over 4 million Americans of Asian/Pa-
Mr. ASHBROOK. Mr. Speaker, on
anniversary of arrival of the first Japa-
cific heritage.
that I demand the yeas and nays.
nese who immigrated to America; and
Mr. Speaker, I also thank the chair-
The yeas and nays were ordered.
Second. May 10, 1979, will be the 110th
man of this subcommittee, the gentle-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant
anniversary of the driving of the Golden
man from Florida (Mr. LEHMAN), and the
to the provisions of clause 3 of rule
Spike, signifying the contribution of the
gentleman from California (Mr. Rous-
XXVII and the Chair's prior announce-
Chinese to the building of the first trans-
SELOT), the ranking member, for their
ment, further proceedings on this mo-
America railroad.
effort in helping us to get this resolution
tion will be postponed.
Asian/Pacific Americans have con-
through.
tributed significantly to communities all
Mr. Speaker, America has been called
over this Nation. In California their hard
the melting pot of the world. While we
ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN
work and dedication are recognized
have opened our Nation in an unprece-
HERITAGE WEEK
throughout the State. Over 1.4 million
dented fashion to the people from
people in America trace their ancestors
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to
throughout the world, the free society of
to various parts of the Pacific an it is ap-
suspend the rules and pass the joint
which we are all a part has permitted
propriate that this group and its
a continuation of the cultural and social
July 10, 1978
CONGRESSIONAL RECORDHOUSE
H 6305
heritage of our citizens' ancestral homes.
Mr. ROUSSELOT. Mr. Speaker, I
So, rather than "the melting pot of the
permission to revise and extend his re-
yield back the balance of my time.
world," this country is really more like
marks and to include extraneous
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
material.)
tapestry with yarns of different fabrics
question is on the motion offered by the
and colors, interwoven to bring strength
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, this leg-
gentleman from Florida (Mr. LEHMAN)
to the total tapestry of our country and
islation has 222 cosponsors, and is with-
that the House suspend the rules and
yet with its differing colors-vivid and
out opposition to my knowledge.
pass the joint resolution, House Joint
strong, signifying the cultural and social
Mr. Speaker, I have no further re-
Resolution 1007, as amended.
heritage of our citizens' ancestral homes.
quests for time, and I yield back the
The question was taken.
Since the earliest days of our Repub-
balance of my time.
Mr. RUSSO. Mr. Speaker, on that I
lic, Asian/Pacific families have contrib-
Mr. ROUSSELOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield
demand the yeas and nays.
uted to the growth, prosperity, and sta-
myself such time as I may consume.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
bility of the United States. It is fitting
Mr. Speaker, House Joint Resolution
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant
and appropriate that this contribution
773 authorizes and requests the President
to clause 3 of rule XXVII, and the
be recognized.
Chair's prior announcement, further
to proclaim the week beginning Septem-
Mr. Speaker, I wish to join with my
ber 17, 1978, as "National Port Week."
proceedings on this motion will be post-
very distinguished colleague, the gentle-
poned.
This resolution, with 222 cosponsors, was
man from New York, Mr. FRANK HORTON,
unanimously reported by the Commit-
in thanking the 231 Members of the
tee on Post Office and Civil Service on
House who cosponsored this resolution
NATIONAL PORT WEEK
June 21, 1978.
and urge the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to
No cost or inflationary impact would
To my colleague, the gentleman from
suspend the rules and pass the joint
result from the enactment of this reso-
New York (Mr. HORTON), let me express
resolution (H.J. Res. 773) authorizing
lution; on the contrary, we are recog-
my very deep gratitude for his strong
and requesting the President of the
nizing the positive contribution made by
help on this measure. I would also like
United States to issue a proclamation
our ports toward maintaining the vital
to join him in recognizing the very capa-
designating the 7 calendar days be-
transportation network of this great
ble assistance of Mrs. Jeanie F. Jew,
ginning September 17, 1978, as "Na-
trading Nation.
chairperson of the National Coalition for
tional Port Week."
In California, our numerous seaports-
an Asian/Pacific American Heritage
The Clerk read as follows:
San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles,
Proclamation, who encouraged the en-
H.J. RES. 773
Oakland, Oxnard, Redwood City, Rich-
thusiastic support from national organi-
mond, and San Francisco-combine with
Whereas United States coastal and inland
zations, which we have received for this
our inland ports at Sacramento and
ports make a direct and significant contri-
bill, and to Ruby G. Moy, chairperson of
bution to our national economic well-being;
Stockton to serve both the defense of
the Asian/Pacific Congressional Caucus,
and
the Nation and the transportation needs
who guided our efforts.
Whereas much of the history of the United
of the busy commercial and industrial
Mr. DERWINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am
States has been shaped by its ports and in-
centers surrounding them.
happy to support this worthwhile legis-
terconnecting inland waterways and greatly
I urge passage of this resolution in
influenced the growth of various communi-
lation which focuses attention on an
tribute to the past contributions and
ties; and
often forgotten minority-Asian/Pa-
future potential of our national ports.
Whereas ports, in serving United States
cific Americans. While we are a culturally
waterborne commerce, generate significant
Mr. ANDERSON of California. Mr.
pluralistic society, we often have failed
employment and direct dollar income to
Speaker, I rise in support of this legis-
to recognize the contributions and spe-
the local and regional economies they serve,
lation which authorizes the President
cific problems of Asian/Pacific Ameri-
as well as have a major impact on employ-
to proclaim the week of September 17 to
ment and production in areas far distant
cans.
23 as "National Port Week."
from their location; and
As a result of a dramatic change in our
Whereas United States ports provide a
I represent the ports of Los Angeles
immigration patterns, significant num-
wide variety of services and activities essen-
and Long Beach-two harbors that con-
bers of Asian/Pacific Americans can be
tial to the smooth and efficient conduct of
tribute much to the economic develop-
found in all of our major cities. While
foreign trade and have & direct impact on
ment of the surrounding communities.
their assimilation into American society
our balance of payments; and
Nationally, a recent study completed
has not been pain free, it has been a
Whereas American ports are a vital asset
for the Maritime Administration-De-
mutually beneficial experience. Their
in maintaining a strong posture in national
partment of Commerce-showed that the
security: Now, therefore, be it
presence and contributions have resulted
total impact of U.S. ports on the economy
Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep-
in a stimulating cross-fertilization of
resentatives of the United States of America
averaged about $153 million per day dur-
cultures which makes itself evident in
in Congress asembled, That the President of
ing last year.
art, music, literature, poetry, education,
the United States is authorized and re-
The study also found that the port
science, and research.
quested to issue a proclamation designating
industry was directly and indirectly re-
On the west coast Chinese architects
the seven-day period beginning Septem-
sponsible for: 1,046,800 jobs, or one job
have designed residential and nonresi-
ber 17, 1978, as "National Port Week and to
in the national economy for each 600
dential structures for a biracial .clien-
invite the Governors of the several States,
tons of foreign waterborne commerce
the chief official of local governments, and
tele: Americans of Japanese background
handled through ports; personal income
the people of the United States to observe
have made similar contributions to our
such week with appropriate ceremonies and
of $19.2 billion; business income totaling
Nation's growth and development. Yasuo
activities.
$7.4 billion: Federal taxes of $10.4 bil-
Kuniyoshi is represented in all the ma-
lion; and State and local taxes amount-
jor museums and art collections in
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is a sec-
ing to $4 billion.
ond demanded?
America. Sessue Hayakawa was one of
Thus, our Nation's ports, in their role
the few big names in "silent movies" to
Mr. ROUSSELOT. Mr. Speaker, I de-
mand a second.
of transshipping cargo, contribute jobs,
make the successful transition to "talk-
income, and tax revenues to their com-
ies." Other Asian/Pacific American com-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without
munities have produced doctors, lawyers,
objection, a second will be considered as
munities and the Nation. I am happy to
ordered.
cosponsor this resolution which honors
social workers, and businessmen.
them.
There was no objection.
The assimilation of Asian/Pacific
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
Mr. JOHNSON of California. Mr.
Americans into our society deserves the
tleman from Florida (Mr. LEHMAN) and
Speaker, I rise in strong support of the
special recognition provided for in this
the gentleman from California (Mr.
bill before the House of Representatives
legislation. It is a positive step toward
ROUSSELOT) will be recognized for 20
giving formal Federal recognition to the
ethnic cohesiveness and understanding.
minutes each.
demonstration of National Port Week
House Joint Resolution 1007 deserves
overwhelming support.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman
beginning September 17 of this year.
from Florida (Mr. LEHMAN).
The ports of this Nation have played a
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no
further requests for time. and I yield
Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Speaker. I yield
very important role in its history from
myself such time as I may consume.
its earliest days to the present. Over 98
back the balance of my time.
(Mr. LEHMAN asked and was given
percent of our foreign commerce leaves
the United States through our ports.
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
95th
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 123
WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1977
No. 114
House of Representatives
STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE
FRANK HORTON ON THE INTRO-
PACIFIC ASIAN/AMERICAN
DUCTION OF THE JOINT RESOLU-
HERITAGE WEEK
TION TO PROCLAIM "PACIFIC
ASIAN/AMERICAN
HERITAGE
WEEK"
HON. NORMAN Y. MINETA
(Mr. HORTON asked and was given
OF CALIFORNIA
permission to address the House for 1
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
minute and to revise and extend his re-
Thursday, June 30, 1977
marks.)
Mr. MINETA. Mr. Speaker, it is with
Mr. HORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I
great pleasure and gratitude that I join
am honored to introduce with the dis-
with my colleague from the State of New
tinguished Congressman from Califor-
York, Congressman FRANK HORTON, in
nia, NORMAN MINETA. a resolution au-
cosponsoring a resolution authorizing
thorizing the President to annually issue
the establishment of a "Pacific Asian/
a proclamation designating a week dur-
American Heritage Week."
ing the first 10 days of May as "Pacific
Mr. Speaker, throughout this great
Asian/American Heritage Week." The
land, thousands of individuals who can
proclamation would recognize the distin-
trace their ancestry to countries and ter-
guished contributions of Pacific Asian/
ritories in the Pacific contribute daily to
Americans to the United States and its
the growth and vitality of this Nation.
territories. It is consistent with previous
They have become a part of a nation
resolutions which have recognized the
which has been generous in the extension
contribution of Spanish-speaking Amer-
of its opportunities to people from all
icans and black Americans.
over the world. There is no definite date
Mr. Speaker. since the country was
when the first individuals of Pacific
founded we have witnessed a truly re-
Asian ancestry entered this country. But,
markable accommodation of the social,
we do know that on May 7, 1843, the first
political, and cultural differences of mil-
Japanese entered America and on
lions of people from all over the world.
May 10,1869, the Golden Spike Day, the
Americans of Pacific Asian/American
Chinese contributed significantly to the
heritage have contributed significantly
building of the railroad in this country.
to their community, to their Nation, and.
Since the early days of this country,
to the social. scientific, economic, and
Pacific Asian/Americans have strength-
cultural growth of our people. Over 1.4
ened the vitality of the American family
million people presently live in the
and competed effectively and produc-
United States whose ancestors started
tively in the commercial enterprises of
their lives in various parts of the Pacific
the Nation. and have made outstanding
world. It is only fitting that we recognize
contributions to the social, scientific, eco-
the contribution of many such great in-
nomic, cultural. and political develop-
dividuals including the cosponsor of this
ment of the United States. I am pleased
resolution. Representative MINETA. Other
to inform this House that the National
prominent Americans of Pacific Asian
Coalition for a Pacific Asian/American
ancestry include Senator DANIEL INOUYE:
Heritage Proclamation, chaired by Mrs.
Senator SPARK MATSUNAGA; Senator S. I.
Jeanie F. Jew, and comprised of many
HAYAKAWA: former Congresswoman
associations of Pacific Asian/Americans
Patsy Mink: Representative ANTONIO
BORJA WON PAT of Guam; the present
and the Pacific Asian Congressional
Governor of Hawaii. George R. Ariyoshi;
Caucus, chaired by Miss Ruby G. Moy,
Mrs. March Fong Eu, secretary of state
enthusiastically support our efforts to
authorize the issuance of this proclama-
for California; former Senator Hiram
tion.
Fong of Hawaii, the first Pacific Asian/
The Post Office and Civil Service Com-
American to ever be a Member of Con-
mittee will be able to take action in the
gress. This resolution is also supported
month of October, and between now and
by the National Coalition for a Pacific
that date, we will be seeking cosponsors
Asian/American Heritage Proclamation,
for the resolution so that it will be favor-
chaired by Mrs. Jeanie F. Jew, and com-
ably reported to the floor. I urge my col-
prised of many associations of Pacific
leagues to join us in support of this reso-
Asian/Americans and the Pacific Asian
lution, and I wish to extend to the Mem-
Congressional Caucus, chaired by Miss
bers who have already expressed support
Ruby G. Moy.
my special sense of appreciation.
Mr. Speaker, we have previously sent a
"Dear Colleague" to all Members of the
House. To obtain approval by the Post
Office and Civil Service Committee, we
need 218 cosponsors in the House. I urge
my colleagues to join with us in spon-
(S-
These are good for
notable asians. See highlights.
am still looking for a joke
and gutang.
Plett
OF
WHITE HOUSE
REPEARCH AND GENTE
AX CUIS GU GLUBAL C BUKROUGHS COUP + ASIAN AM
STREET'S
LLL
MBER 24 986
SPECIAL REPORT
AMERICA'S
SUPER MINORITY
Asian Americans have wasted no time laying claim to the American dream. They are smarter and
better educated and make more money than everyone else. Now they are vaulting the last
obstacles that stand between them and this country's corner offices.
by Anthony Ramirez
N THE TRUNK of Robert Nakasone's
of Toys "R" Us, the $2-billion-a-year special-
top posts at companies not only in Hawaii and
car is a brown government-issue blan-
ty retailer in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.
California, where most Asians first settle, but
ket. It was the blanket handed to his
"I've worked very hard," says Nakasone, 38,
across America's heartland from Memphis to
mother when she, like thousands of oth-
"and I've been very fortunate."
Kalamazoo. They have high-powered jobs at
er Japanese Americans, was "relocated" into
Asian Americans are rising in corporate
some of the best-known firms of Wall Street
camps during the anti-Japanese hysteria of
America faster than any other minority
and Madison Avenue as well.
World War II. The blanket, which Naka-
group. Gerald Tsai Jr., a Chinese American,
Asian immigrants, their children, and their
sone's family now uses for picnics, reminds
is set in January to become chairman of $2.8-
grandchildren also crowd America's top uni-
him of how far he has come. A graduate of
billion-a-year American Can, the first Asian
versities: While a scant 2% of the U.S. popu-
the University of Chicago Business School,
American to head a FORTUNE 500 company
lation are Asian American, they account for
Nakasone is president of the U.S. operations
he didn't found. Asian Americans have won
12% of this year's freshman class at Harvard,
A top officer of Toys "R" Us, Robert Nakasone has roots in Ridgewood, New Jersey, with his wife, Lynn, their kids, and pet rabbit April.
for example, and 20% at the University of
California at Berkeley. This year the Wes-
tinghouse Science Talent Search, one of the
country's most prestigious high school aca-
demic contests, awarded all five of its top
scholarships to Asians. Some 35% of Asian
Americans graduate from college, twice the
percentage among whites.
All that education pays off spectacularly.
Even though Asian Americans are generally
newcomers-the majority are not descen-
dants of immigrants but immigrants them-
selves-they are already way ahead of the
rest of the nation at the bank. According to
the 1980 census, the median annual income
for Asian American families was $23,600. It
exceeded the level not only for the overall
population ($19,900) but for whites in partic-
ular ($20,800). Of the various ethnic groups
Founder An Wang, right, is grooming son Frederick to run $2.4-billion Wang Laboratories.
that make up the Asian American population,
only Vietnamese families, with meager annu-
one test to copy simple geometric forms.
Interestingly, American mothers said suc-
al incomes of $12,840, fell below white and
Chinese and Japanese kids scored better
cess was due to ability, but Asians said effort
national levels (see box, page 156).
than whites. And in a test of whether chil-
was the key. "The willingness of Japanese
dren aged 6 to 8 understood that the surface
and Chinese children to work SO hard in
HY IS IT that Asian Americans
W
of a liquid in a bottle stays horizontal wheth-
school," the researchers concluded, "may be
tower above the rest of the pop-
er the bottle is tipped or not, Asians passed
due, in part, to the stronger belief on the part
ulation in both dollars and
the test 43% of the time and whites 35%.
of their mothers in the value of hard work."
sense? Their speeded-up real-
Psychologist Vernon is one of a flock of
ization of the American dream is due in great
social scientists who are intrigued with the
MONG THE social scientists who
measure to hard work, dedication to educa-
riddle of how Asian Americans got SO smart.
tion, a willingness to adapt to a predominant-
Most of these scientists agree that the an-
A
think Asian American braininess is
largely hereditary is Arthur Jensen,
ly white culture-and, not least, to brains.
swer lies in some mixture of heredity and up-
a University of California psycholo-
The evidence is persuasive that Asian
bringing, but they tie themselves in knots
gist who has published controversial studies
Americans are smarter than the rest of us-
arguing about the relative importance of the
on the variation in intelligence by race. For
the 98% of the population not from the Far
two. By far the easier influence to document
evidence Jensen points to the wide variety of
East. Asian American children and grownups
is upbringing. In the early 1980s researchers
tests in which Asian Americans as a group
consistently outscore whites, the population
led by University of Michigan psychologist
excel. Although no single test proves the
as a whole, and other racial minorities on a
Harold W. Stevenson studied family commit-
dominance of heredity, Jensen contends that
wide variety of tests that are used to assess
ment to education in the native lands of the
taken together the tests span such a broad
intelligence, scholastic ability, and cognitive
Asian immigrants. They compared school-
range of skills and abilities that no large group
development. Says Philip E. Vernon, a psy-
children in Taipei, Taiwan; Sendai, Japan; and
could ever be taught to ace all of them. Ver-
chologist at the University of Calgary:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was chosen
non, on the other hand, says the issue cannot
"Their intelligence can't be denied."
for its predominantly white population.
be resolved by social science in its current
In 1980, for example, the U.S. Department
Stevenson's team found that American
state. "Asian Americans test better," he says,
of Education found that Asian American high
children spent substantially less time on aca-
"because of an interaction between heredity
school students got A's more often and failed
demic activities, especially mathematics,
and environment. You can't say it's purely ge-
less than whites or any other racial group in
than Chinese and Japanese children. By the
netic, because there is no way to measure
eight subjects, ranging from English to art.
fifth grade, American children spent 19.6
what is purely genetic and what isn't."
Asian Americans particularly stood out in
hours of class time on academic subjects, the
Whatever the source of their talent, Asian
subjects requiring nonverbal skills. Similarly,
Japanese 32.6 hours, and the Chinese 40.4
Americans seem sure to leave as profound a
on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which is
hours. Asians did more homework: Even on
mark on American society as the Irish, Ital-
used to measure college potential, Asian
Saturday Chinese fifth-graders toiled 83 min-
ian, German, and East European immigrants
Americans have the highest average math
utes and Japanese 37 minutes, in contrast to
of nearly a century ago. Declared a recent
score-518 compared with 491 for whites.
the American kids' seven minutes.
study published by the Population Reference
Asian Americans perform just as impres-
Parents' concern about their children's
Bureau, a respected, privately funded organi-
sively in tests of cognitive development, de-
education was measured by a commonsense
zation: "America's future is likely to be in-
signed to measure thinking ability rather
index: Did they buy their kids a desk? Among
creasingly Asian." For 20 years Asians have
than how much a child has learned. U.S.
fifth-graders, 98% of the Japanese and 95%
been the fastest-growing minority. Today
schoolchildren aged 9 to 12 were asked in
of the Chinese had a desk at home, but only
they number more than five million and in-
REPORTER ASSOCIATE Barbara C. Loos
63% of the American kids had one.
clude many ethnic groups, with Chinese, Fili-
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDY FREEBERG
NOVEMBER 24, 1986 FORTUNE 149
SPECIAL REPORT
pinos, Japanese, and Vietnamese
BOB SEIDEMANN
and say, 'especially for an Indian.'
the largest, in descending order.
What do you mean 'for an Indian?'
The vast majority came to America
For anybody!"
in the past 20 years, taking advan-
American Can's chairman-elect,
tage of immigration rules liberalized
Jerry Tsai, wheeled and dealed his
in 1965 and allowances for Indochin-
way to the top. Tsai first made his
ese refugees made after the fall of
reputation as a hyperkinetic stock
Saigon. Researchers think the Asian
trader during the go-go market of
American population is likely to al-
the mid-1960s. In 1968 he sold the
most double again by the year 2000.
highflying mutual fund he had es-
The astonishing economic pros-
tablished to CNA Financial Corp.
perity of Asian American families
But after five years as a CNA exec-
derives in part from immigrants'
utive, Tsai tired of what he regard-
success at running small business-
ed as its suffocating bureaucracy.
es, from Indian newsstands to
He bought a tiny insurance compa-
Korean greengroceries. As the im-
Lured by an opportunity to manage, Filipino American David
ny, then sold it to American Can in
migrants' children move up the
Chavez signed up at Pacific Bell straight out of engineering school.
1982, joining the manufacturer as
educational ladder, they are often
an executive vice president in
pushed to enter professions rather than try
of the $2.4-billion-a-year Wang Laboratories
charge of its small financial services unit.
their luck in corporations. Asian parents of
in Lowell, Massachusetts, one of the nation's
Within three years Tsai had invested $1 bil-
aristocratic origins often view professional
largest computer companies. A Harvard
lion of his new employer's money in five ma-
jobs as appropriately elite for their offspring,
physics Ph.D., Wang worked as a lab re-
jor acquisitions. Last year 55% of American
in contrast to business; Asian parents of
searcher at the university before starting the
Can's operating earnings came from Tsai's
modest means favor high-paying professions
company. Shanghai-born, he had come to the
side of the company. This year, at 57, Tsai
like engineering and medicine as the surest
U.S. in 1945 for schooling. He showed such
was named chief executive officer.
path to a better life for their children. Nancy
promise as a scientist that the U.S. govern-
Shanghai-born Peter Huang, 51, is equally
Chen, a marketing representative with IBM,
ment asked him to become a citizen.
adroit at making deals. A Stanford engineer-
recounts how she bucked her parents' wish-
ing graduate and Columbia MBA, Huang got
es in pursuing a corporate career. "They said
IRJANG LAL TANDON, born in In-
S
his start organizing large urban-renewal
it was too risky to go into sales, and wanted
dia, also came to the U.S. for his edu-
projects in New York City. In 1966 City In-
me to be a doctor," she says. "My parents
cation and ended up staying. He
vesting, an old-line commercial real estate
felt they took all the risks when they came to
founded Tandon Corp., a maker of
company with annual revenues of $8 million,
the U.S. so I wouldn't have to."
computer disk drives and personal comput-
hired him to analyze merger and acquisition
Pioneers like Chen blazing trails in corpo-
ers, in 1975 with $7,000 in savings. "Ambi-
opportunities. Huang helped build the com-
rate America encounter the same hazards
tion is what brought immigrants to the
pany into an empire whose revenues topped
any minority group faces. Some of the obsta-
United States," says Tandon, 44. Now his
$6 billion in 1984 and whose stock climbed
cles are external barriers of racism and ste-
company has annual revenues of $270 mil-
from $7 to $33. Then, to take advantage of
reotypes; some derive from genuine cultural
lion. Adds Tandon: "People say, 'Your suc-
tax law wrinkles, City Investing liquidated it-
differences and leave corporations mystified
cess is an incredible story,' then they pause
self, a move that increased the value of the
about how to get the most out of
shares by a third. Last year, with
these talented employees. The age
Born in India, Sirjang Lal Tandon came to the U.S. for an
the liquidation in its final stages,
of the Asian American is only begin-
education and stayed to found $270-million-a-year Tandon Corp.
Huang resigned from the compa-
ning to dawn in the corporation.
ny's No. 2 spot. He took around
Their numbers at the top are still
$10 million in severance and re-
disproportionately small: A scant
tired, temporarily at least, to the ski
0.5%-or 159 out of 29,000-of the
slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho.
officers and directors of the na-
With his sights on helping run a
tion's 1,000 largest companies have
big retailer, Nakasone of Toys "R"
Asian surnames. Of dozens of Asian
Us began his career at Jewel Cos., a
American managers interviewed by
Chicago-based operator of food and
FORTUNE, only a handful have al-
drug stores. At 26 he was the youn-
ready arrived. The majority are
gest manager ever to make vice
striving, convinced, in the best
president. By the time Toys "R" Us
American tradition, that with
recruited him 13 years later, Naka-
brains, ambition, and hard work
sone was boss of Jewel's second-
they will win.
largest food division.
Stunning successes have been
Nakasone attributes his success
scored by Asian American entre-
in part to the emphasis his parents
preneurs and dealmakers. The
placed on blending into a white-
most famous is An Wang, founder
dominated society. After their re-
152 FORTUNE NOVEMBER 24, 1986
UCLA sociology professor and Japanese
American: "The American stereotype of an
American still is white. I think even when
Asian Americans are young, they begin to
recognize very, very quickly that they don't
have that qualification." Indeed, Asian Amer-
icans say they are attracted to comparatively
solo professions like engineering partly be-
cause they regard these as careers where
performance is judged objectively. Not SO
with general management at large corpora-
tions, where criteria such as white skin and
membership in an old-boy network can come
into play.
China-born Gerald Tsai, chairman-elect of American Can, first made his mark trading stocks.
HE FRUSTRATIONS and successes
of David Lee illustrate these con-
lease from a World War II internment camp,
neighborhood in San Francisco with plenty of
cerns. A China-born mechanical engi-
they settled in the virtually all-white South-
other Chinese around. His immigrant father
neer, Lee in 1969 helped found Diablo
ern California town of Sunland-Tujunga to
encouraged the children by speaking English
Systems, now a major maker of computer
raise their family. "They made a very con-
at home. "This is one area of the country
printers in Silicon Valley. A few years later
scious choice-and I'm glad they did-to not
where you can speak Chinese all the time,
Xerox Corp. bought Diablo, and Lee stayed
live in a predominantly Oriental community,"
shop at Chinese grocery stores, eat at Chi-
on as a manager. But he was stunned when a
says Nakasone, "because it wouldn't be rep-
nese restaurants-and stay Chinese forev-
white boss was brought in over his head. A
resentative of what we kids would face when
er," says the 32-year-old Wong. "But my
Xerox spokesman says, "Race had nothing
we went out into the real world." Unlike Na-
father wanted me to be able to succeed in
to do with Lee's situation." But Lee con-
kasone, Brian Wong, executive vice presi-
non-Asian society.
tends, "They didn't think I was good enough
dent of Worlds of Wonder, a highflying
To some degree, race is an issue with all
to be a manager for them."
Fremont, California, toymaker with 1985
Asian Americans, no matter how thoroughly
Lee and other disenchanted engineers left
revenues of $93 million, grew up in a mixed
assimilated they are. Says Harry Kitano, a
to start Qume, another computer-printer
company. It later diversified successfully
into manufacturing disk drives and personal
THE SUPER MINORITY'S POOR COUSINS
computers. After a few years Qume was
bought by ITT; this time around Lee was in-
vited to stay as president. Under his leader-
Some Asian immigrants arrived woeful-
mired in poverty and unemployment.
ship Qume grew from $143 million in sales to
ly ill equipped for life in the U.S. and have
Among refugees, mostly Indochinese,
$320 million in three years. ITT promoted
not shared in the buoyant success of
who have settled in California in the past
Lee to group executive vice president and
other Asian Americans. Refugees from
three years, more than 90% are on wel-
soon afterward asked him to move to head-
Indochina-Vietnamese, Laotians, and
fare. Part of the problem, says Berkeley
quarters in New York.
Kampucheans-are by far the poorest
research scientist Jacqueline Desbarats,
But Lee rejected the assignment and soon
group. When South Vietnam fell in 1975,
is that it doesn't pay for refugees with
afterward resigned. He says he was con-
the first to flee came from among Indo-
families to work. A full-time job at the
vinced that, despite his rapid rise, there was
china's elite. More than 30% of these im-
minimum wage pays less than $600 a
no room at the top of ITT for an Asian Amer-
migrants held professional or managerial
month, while welfare pays a family of four
ican. "To have an Asian American run ITT,
jobs. They know Western culture, if not
$850, plus substantial medical benefits.
that's just impossible," he says. "Therefore
English, because of the long French colo-
To prod the refugees out of dependency,
it wasn't worth it to uproot my family from
nization, and have thrived.
an experimental project lets them go to
California." With a rueful laugh he adds, "I
But after 1976 there came a second
work without losing the medical benefits.
think like an American and I act like an Amer-
wave more representative of Indochina's
Indochinese refugees may eventually
ican. It's just that I don't look like an Ameri-
overall population, mostly poorly educat-
solve their problem themselves by becom-
can." ITT denies that Lee encountered
ed fishermen and farmers. A few, such as
ing assimilated. A federal study found that
racism. "At the time," says a spokesman,
the Hmong tribe from the hills of Laos,
the longer Indochinese live in the U.S., the
"we had the highest percentage of minority
were illiterate even in their own lan-
more fluent they become in English and
vice presidents of any major company." Lee,
guage. "The Hmong stand out like Appa-
the more they earn. Moreover, following a
49, now runs yet another fast-growing Sili-
lachian whites," says Darrel Montero, a
classic pattern of Asian American adapta-
con Valley electronics company.
social work professor at Arizona State
tion, the Vietnamese are forming mutual
Many Asian Americans say they have run
University. He and other experts worry
aid societies to help themselves launch
into racial and cultural barriers. Roy Yama-
that second-wave refugees may remain
their own small businesses.
hiro, 58, a human resources manager at Mar-
tin Marietta's Denver office, felt his career
156 FORTUNE NOVEMBER 24, 1986
SPECIAL REPORT
had stalled despite widely praised work in his
tor in Yamahiro's career at the company.
arena. In Jerry Tsai's case, it was a tough,
field. Yamahiro pioneered the use of the Out-
Upward-bound Asian American execu-
outspoken Boston Brahmin named Edward
ward Bound survival school to train corpo-
tives have discovered that the quick way to
C. Johnson Jr. who hired him as a stock ana-
rate executives in teamwork. After 12 years
neutralize racial prejudice is to find a white
lyst. When Tsai asked for money to start a
at Martin Marietta, Yamahiro eagerly pro-
mentor willing to ignore ethnicity and con-
mutual fund whose aggressive stock trading
duced his résumé when headhunters sought
centrate on talent. In the case of Peter
was to revolutionize Wall Street money man-
him out. He now is vice president of human
Huang at City Investing, it was Chairman
agement, Johnson replied with a blunt,
resources development at Federal Express
George T. Scharffenberger. He plucked
"Here's your $250,000 and your rope." An-
in Memphis. Martin Marietta denies that
Huang from the world of urban renewal and
swered Tsai: "I'll take it."
race or cultural background was ever a fac-
brought him into the commercial real estate
Finding a mentor is especially important at
FOR WOMEN, GETTING HIRED IS THE EASY PART
"It's a double-edged sword being Asian American and a wom-
tor of public affairs for AT&T International; attributes her suc-
an," says June Yee, 29, a senior associate at Booz-Allen Hamil-
cess to her diplomas. When she began angling for upper-
ton. Of the 18 successful Asian American women FORTUNE
management responsibility in 1979, AT&T told her that the job
interviewed, nearly all believed that their double minority status
she wanted required an MBA; her economics Ph.D. wasn't
both helped and hindered their careers. The women had an
enough. Rather than protest, Lai, who as a child had the best test
edge, even over their Asian male counterparts, in landing entry-
scores in her Taiwan elementary school, won an AT&T-spon-
level management jobs. But getting beyond that required re-
sored fellowship at MIT's Sloan School of Management. After
sourcefulness. Being female and Asian, the women said, could
graduation she came back to get the post she wanted.
stall a well-earned promotion or even kill an aspirant's chance
Armed with an MBA from Simmons College in Boston, Sally
for entering the inner circle.
Tsiang wanted no more
The Asian American wom-
school. She applied for oper-
en claim one psychological
ating jobs at major corpora-
advantage over other women
tions, hoping to avoid having
on the fast track. Their Asian
to go through a training pro-
heritage makes them less
gram. At Chemical Bank she
susceptible to supermom
caught the attention of Rob-
syndrome, the burnout that
ert Lipp, a fast-rising execu-
threatens women who strug-
tive vice president who was
gle to reconcile family roles
willing to give her an area to
with career aspirations. "In
manage. "He said, 'As long as
Asian culture there is no con-
you show you're able to do it,
cept of mom taking care of
the opportunity is yours,'
everything," says Shirley
Tsiang recalls. Lipp kept his
Young, 51, the Shanghai-born
word. For the next ten years
president of Grey Strategic
he moved his protégée
Marketing, a subsidiary of
through a series of promo-
Grey Advertising. She has
tions from operations to retail
long relied on nannies to tend
Shirley Young was passed over but finally won at Grey Advertising.
to brokerage. Last year
her three sons.
Tsiang thought it time to es-
But Young's Asian upbringing also made it hard for her to
tablish her own identity. She landed job as a vice president in the
master the all-American art of self-promotion. A Phi Beta Kappa
mortgage-backed securities unit of Drexel Burnham Lambert.
from Wellesley, Young worked in the ad agency's research orga-
To Doreen Yat, 30, an account supervisor at Ogilvy & Mather,
nization for ten years, rising all the way to the second spot. Then
her smartest move has been "picking an industry and a company
her progress stopped. A succession of white men from outside
where race and gender aren't an issue." Race and gender may
were appointed department head and then promoted out as
have tripped up another woman, a vice president in a large finan-
Young stood by unprotestingly. "I didn't assert myself and say,
cial services company. She told FORTUNE that her path to a poli-
'Hey, that job is rightfully mine,' Young recalls. "That's being
cymaking job was blocked because she didn't get along with the
Asian. My motto was always underpromise and overdeliver."
company's old boys. "I'm not one of the inner circle. To them I'm
Fed up with the job, Young finally made the profoundly Ameri-
a 5-foot 3-inch Chinese lady, even though I'm a fourth-generation
can move of quitting. After nine months the research unit was in
American," she says. A female manager at a communications
disarray, and Grey recruited Young back in the top spot.
company was almost undone by a similar problem when a power-
Most Asian American women succeed by adapting: enlisting
ful but prejudiced top manager blocked a promotion. She was
white male mentors as champions, zeroing in on open-minded
rescued by her immediate boss. He pushed the promotion
firms, loading up with impressive credentials. Lily Lai, 42, direc-
through while the top guy was on vacation. - Barbara C. Loos
160 FORTUNE NOVEMBER 24, 1986
to dismiss Asian Americans as technicians
too narrowly trained and docile to ever cut it
as executives. Asian women, moreover, of-
ten must contend with both racist and sexist
stereotypes (see box, page 160).
A number of the managers interviewed by
FORTUNE believe Asian Americans are them-
selves partly responsible for their lack of ad-
vancement. There is truth, they say, to
stereotypes used to discount Asian Ameri-
Gastave
cans' executive aptitude. "I can see why a lot
of Asians don't get in the managerial side,"
says Paul Lin, a vice president at Watkins
Johnson, a $250-million-a-year electronics
firm in Palo Alto, California. "Asians, from a
people standpoint, aren't open. That's a big
Asian faces fill this business class at MIT, where one out of 14 students is Asian American.
problem when you're trying to become a
manager."
such old-line institutions as commercial
ment program despite his lack of business
Asian Americans sabotage themselves
banks. Leo Au, a 1976 Harvard Business
education. "I chose Pacific Bell to learn the
because they are culturally conditioned to
School graduate, felt himself going stale after
things I never could have picked up staying
be humble, says Byron Kunisawa, a minor-
a few years on the finance staff of Pitts-
in a technical position," Chavez says. Similar-
ity consultant at the Multi-Cultural Re-
burgh's Mellon Bank. His boss, Jay Roy, told
ly Chong Y. Yoon, 53, a Korean American,
source Center in San Francisco. In his
Au that he had a problem. He was doing fine
earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at
view, being humble is broadcasting one's
in his job but was rotten at giving presenta-
MIT but wished he could be a manager. Up-
talents on the wrong wavelength. While
tions. Roy had the bank bring in a moonlight-
john, the Kalamazoo, Michigan, pharmaceuti-
Asian Americans act patient in the office
ing speech professor to coach him. Now
cal giant, helped him out. "Upjohn wanted
because they believe "that good work will
senior vice president in charge of the bank's
me to have the opportunity," says Yoon.
win out," he says, "companies are seeing
securities trading and sales operations, Au
"There was no problem with my lack of an
only passivity."
says the lessons helped reignite his career.
MBA. Here performance determines who
Some companies go out of their way to
gets ahead." Today Yoon is a corporate vice
ONSULTANTS like Kunisawa main-
make it easy for Asian Americans to switch
president.
tain that to get promotions Asian
from technical careers to the management
Racial prejudice in corporations makes ex-
Americans have to learn more about
fast track. David Chavez, a 24-year-old Filipi-
periences like Yoon's a rarity, believes Wil-
promoting themselves. The consul-
no American, took advantage of such an
liam Ouchi, a professor of management at
tants also have standard advice for corpora-
opportunity at Pacific Bell, an $8-billion-a-
UCLA who has studied the progress of Asian
tions eager to develop promising Asian
year subsidiary of Pacific Telesis. An electri-
Americans in business. "Younger managers
Americans. They say employers ought to un-
cal engineering graduate from the California
may be in the pipeline to the top," Ouchi
hesitatingly point out the deficiencies hold-
Institute of Technology, Chavez was recruit-
says, "but the pipeline has a cork." In
ing young managers back, such as poor
ed for the company's accelerated manage-
Ouchi's view many white managers are quick
pronunciation, and offer remedial training.
Tied for first, Wei-Jing Zhu and Wendy Chung rejoice at the 1986 Westinghouse science contest.
But David Wang, a China-born senior vice
president at International Paper Co., says
MARK PORTLAND
Asian Americans aren't counting on being
mollycoddled. "You can't wait for your boss
to help," he says. Wang thinks it inevitable
that Asian Americans will master the social
and political skills they need in corporate life,
just as they have excelled at all the other
tough lessons of immigration. If that is so,
Asian American achievers will ultimately oc-
cupy a disproportionate share of the coun-
try's corner offices. Their effect on U.S.
business is likely to be profound, as tradition-
al American values such as the work ethic,
promotion by merit, and self-reliance gain a
powerful new constituency. The arrival of
Asian Americans could herald a revitalized
corporate environment-one that no strait-
laced Yankee businessman would have diffi-
culty recognizing as home.
cixem you A Chinics Nagazin
NOVEMBER 30,1986/SECTIO
RESEARCH WHITE HOUSE HOUSE GENTER
Clockwis
rom top
John
Bob Grah
Jesse Hel
Pat Rober
Sam Nun
Jac
DELIVERING THE SOUTH
Seven Who Could Make the Difference in '88
BY R.W.APPLE JR.
Keds
UKO SAKIMURA
Michele Maier
E ESSENCE OF
DANCE
Ceramic Sculpture
CARLYN GALLERY, INC.
Avenue at 85th Street, New York, NY 10028
AM to 6PM Monday through Saturday
212.879.0003
oleon The Great
A Necessary Addition
To The Office Of A Top
Corporate Executive
Invincible in battle, su-
ADAMJ STOLTMAN/DUOMO
preme force motivating
the unification of Europe,
Jay Yang with his daughter Coco. Asian-Americans thrive by transplanting old values.
Napoleon spread the
democratic creed to all
countries of the world.
We offer a perfect, mu-
seum-quality, original,
authentic, hand-made oil
reproduction of the famous
Simon de Gerard painting
of the great Italian condot-
WHY ASIANS
tiero now in the Palazzo
Pitti in Florience.
reproduces Napoleon at the summit of his
th of the painting is probably $20,000.00. We
250.00 for it. Size 24"x30". Frame extra.
famous colour catalog $25.00. Amount
refundable. Commissions accepted.
SUCCEED HERE
umiani. The Classical Arts, P.O. Box 4526
N.M. 87196. (505-843-7749)
"I GOT THE FEELING
I WAS VISITING AN
NGLISH DUKE'S HOME."
NEW YORK MAGAZINE-9/29/86
By Robert B. Oxnam
Asian immigrants have achieved. A sub-
stantial proportion are "elite immigrants"
glish
who have brought with them college de-
HANK GOD FOR THE ASIANS,"
grees and career experience. Perhaps
1
exclaims an earnest middle-aged
never before in American history have so
ques
man from Westchester County.
many talented immigrants arrived and
"They're bringing back standards to
gained middle-class status in such a short
entre
our schools. And they're so success-
span of time. "The new Asian-Americans
ful in small businesses. It's all hap-
have leapfrogged," says Alice Young, an
pened overnight. How do you explain it?"
international lawyer of Chinese extrac-
Inion 8 South Fourth Streets
As head of the Asia Society, I hear that
1, New York 12534 518-828-7855
tion. "They have achieved in one genera-
question often as I travel the country. It is
tion what used to require two to three gen-
prompted, in part, by the enormous num-
erations for European immigrants."
ber of Asian-Americans who have come
The story of these new immigrants goes
here since United States immigration laws
far beyond the high school valedictorians
were liberalized in 1965. In just two dec-
and Westinghouse Science scholars we
ades, the number of Americans of Asian
read about in our newspapers. It is the
extraction has quintupled, to more than
story of a broader cultural interaction, a
Advertisers call
five million people.
pairing of old Asian values with American
Yet more impressive than the numbers
individualism, Asian work ethics with
has been the remarkable success many
American entrepreneurship. And, where
556-7409
those cultural elements have collided, it
Robert B. Oxnam is president of the Asia
has also been a story of sharp disappoint-
Society, a nonprofit cultural and educa-
ments and frustration.
tional organization based in New York.
While all immigrants confront the chal-
IN INC
York NY 10022
172
JOHN OLSON/GAMMA-LIAISON
I.M. Pei at New York's Javits Center, designed by his firm.
"The first priority for Americans is to learn more about Asia."
lenge of cultural adjustment,
Japan and Vietnam is Confu-
image of the Protestant
have done remarkably well in
those who have recently ar-
cianism. Strong Confucian
ethic."
America, many occupy lower
rived from Asia have often
legacies are still evident in
A substantial minority of
rungs on the socioeconomic
displayed a special capacity
Chinese bureaucracy, Japa-
Asian-Americans comes
ladder than do most other
for adapting ancient values to
nese industrial organizations
from non-Confucian soci-
Asian immigrants.
new circumstances.
and the lives of Korean and
eties. But they, too, bring with
Vietnamese-American im-
E
Westerners often think of
Vietnamese families.
them a heritage that has
migrants, who now number
modern history as a struggle
Confucius himself, who
helped them to flourish in
more than 600,000, bring with
between the forces of tradi-
lived in China some 2,500
America. The half-million
them a particularly complex
JS™
tion and modernization.
years ago, would have been
Americans of Indian extrac-
heritage. On one hand, Viet-
Asians tend to see a different
pleased at the modern-day
tion, for instance, boast the
nam had a long history of
nes
dynamic in which past and
success of his ideas. A
highest median family in-
Confucian influences prior to
present often reinforce each
scholar and frustrated office-
comes of any Asian ethnic
its recent century of French
other. Asian societies have
seeker, Confucius was trying
group. Indian traditions are
colonialism, searing warfare
selectively adapted their
to find principles that would
much more diffuse and reli-
and, now, Communist control.
traditions to meet the needs
bring order to a chaotic and
gious than the secular and
On the other hand, the Viet-
of contemporary economic
war-torn society. His teach-
structured inheritances from
namese and the other Indoch-
progress and political inte-
ings formed a powerful pack-
East Asian societies. Never-
inese immigrants are the
gration.
age that emphasized hierar-
theless the majority of Indian
only true refugees among the
Culture, in this respect, is
chy, discipline, family, hard
immigrants are highly moti-
recent wave of Asians who
at the heart of Asia's soaring
work and, above all, educa-
vated and represent the out-
have come to America. As a
growth. And the success of
tion.
flowing of skilled profession-
result of that disadvantage,
many Asian-Americans is a
Well over half of today's
als known as the "brain
Vietnamese-American in-
direct manifestation of that
Asian-Americans come from
drain" phenomenon. "Indian
comes remain the lowest of
same powerful Asian process
societies with Confucian
and Chinese traditions are to-
any Asian immigrant group,
of cultural transformation
backgrounds. They are not
tally different in Asia," sug-
even though Vietnamese chil-
and continuity.
importing a classical tradi-
gests Mehli M. Mistri, a sen-
dren often do well at school
"I am never quite able to
tion, but rather a set of vis-
ior vice president at Citibank.
and their parents have fre-
convince people that I did not
ceral values refined over gen-
"But somehow when Asians
quently established profit-
suffer culture shock when I
erations of experience. "Con-
bring these values to Amer-
able small businesses.
arrived in the United States,"
fucianism is an ethical code
ica, the bottom line is very
observes the computer entre-
and not a religion," com-
similar. It adds up to family,
ERHAPS THE MOST
preneur An Wang, who
ments Wan-go Weng, the just-
education, discipline and
founded Wang Laboratories,
hard work."
P
striking characteristic
retired president of the China
shared by all Asian cul-
ilse
in his recent autobiography.
Institute in America, "and a
Filipino-Americans, who
tures is their deep respect for
ger,
"People insist that I must
lot of it works in an American
now number over one million,
education. "When Asians
And
have been overwhelmed by
context."
constitute the largest group
come to America," observes
oth
the things that make Amer-
John Brademas, a Greek-
of Asian immigrants outside
the home-fashion designer
also
ica different from China -
American who is president of
the Confucian and Indian cul-
Jay Yang, "first they want
the wealth, the people, even
New York University, ob-
tural spheres. The Philip-
the green card for them-
1.99
the food. But this is simply
serves, "When I look at our
pines has a multi-layered his-
selves, then the green book
not true. I look for the simi-
Asian-American students, I
tory with tribal, Spanish and
bag for their children." Re-
larities between cultures, not
am certain that much of their
American influences. This
cent studies indicate that
the differences."
success is due to Confucian-
unique hybrid culture has
Asian students spend much
The most pervasive ancient
ism. And the more I see of
tended to make their Amer-
more time on homework than
tradition that still infuses the
Confucianism in action, the
ican experiences rather
other students.
23
societies of China, Korea,
more I think it is the mirror
mixed. While some Filipinos
(Continued on Page 88)
Coffee, One of America's
Available Now From
Society. "We are arrogant
ASIAN-AMERICANS
enough to say that we can
ca.
adapt to anything. The Chi-
nese might say it differently.
Continued from Page 75
They would probably say that
they are arrogant enough to
In many Asian families,
adds, "But we see ourselves
make anything adapt to
education seems almost an
as successful. We are work-
them. But we both see our-
obsession. "When I was sec-
ing for the dream of our chil-
selves as No. 1."
ond-highest on a test," recalls
dren's generation. Other
Asian-Americans also ob-
Agnes Lin, now a professor of
things must wait."
serve, sometimes vehement-
educational psychology at
The Asian-American devo-
ly, that there is much in their
sity of French roasted beans is blended
New York University, "my
tion to work may also reflect
inherited traditions that does
agy Vienna roast for a rich, complex es-
father scolded me for not
Asian attitudes toward the
not mesh well with American
carbon bitterness associated with dark
trying hard enough. When I
budgeting of personal time.
society.
acked for guaranteed freshness.
was first, he said the test was
Americans who travel to
One enduring Confucian
too easy." Rajan Viswana-
giving Coffee, espresso beans covered
Asia are surprised to find of-
virtue is that of modesty or
than, who has pursued his
fices open on Saturdays and
nocolate. The package is decorated with
reserve. The "inferior" in any
education at colleges in New
dismayed that key business
relationship - such as a stu-
1 wood cut.
York and Maryland, ob-
meetings are sometimes con-
dent or a woman was ex-
:, 1-800-221-7714. In NY call 212-431-1691. Or,
serves that many Indians and
vened over weekends. Henry
pected to hold back émotions.
d send to: DEAN & DELUCA Mail Order, 110
Pakistanis spend their entire
S. Tang, a Wall Street invest-
"When I go back to China,"
012. Ask for our catalog of over 650 food and kit-
days on campus, from 8 A.M.
ment banker and president of
notes Agnes Lin, "they say to
to 11 P.M., just to escape
the Chinatown Planning
me, 'You're too open.' In
ds and beans also available at:
parental discipline. "Some-
Council, notes that the con-
China, if you know 100 per-
JCA
DEAN & CO.
times," he says, "the pres-
cepts of a "weekend" and the
cent, you only show 30 per-
t.
79 Newtown Lane
sure is so tough that it gets in
"Sabbath" both come from
cent. In America, you try to
12
East Hampton, NY 11937
the way of good grades."
the West and that most
pretend it's 120 percent!" Dr.
The strong family ties and
Asians do not make such a
Lin worries that this kind of
& DELUCA
powerful work ethics of Asian
clear-cut division between
excessive modesty some-
cultures are key factors in
work and play.
times leads Americans to
ORDER SERVICE
Asian-American achieve-
Another factor helps ex-
think that Asians are "in-
ment. Members of the Choi
plain the unprecedented take-
scrutable." She explains that
Choc. Beans 10 oz. $10.00
Catalog $2
family, Koreans who sur-
off of many Asian-Amer-
it can also lead to discrimina-
(Delivered)
(free with purchase)
vived some initial hostility to
icans. With the prominent ex-
tion, since Asians may seem
set up a profitable greengro-
ception of the Indochinese,
less ready to respond to
cery on New York's Park
most Asians are not refugees
slights or offenses.
State
Zip
Avenue, have labored incred-
in the classic sense. As a re-
Some Asian-Americans,
MasterCard
Visa
Check
ible hours - often 18 hours a
sult, Asian immigrants seem
particularly those in artistic
Exp. Date
day, seven days a week in
less concerned with rejecting
fields, worry about a tension
the eight years since they left
their past than with reaffirm-
between the American em-
Seoul. "We are somewhat
ing elements of that past in a
phasis on creativity and the
overqualified for what we
new setting. Pride seems a
Asian emphasis on discipline.
do," acknowledges Kyu-Sung
stronger motivation than es-
"Some Asian students
vate Psychiatric Facility
Choi, "since I have a B.A. and
cape for them, and frequently
come to Juilliard and they
my wife an M.A." His wife,
one detects thinly veiled ex-
just go crazy," says the pian-
Sung-Bok Choi, who wants to
pressions of nationalism.
ist Ken Noda. "They have
OOD HOSPITAL, New York City's
return to her career as a
ric facility, located on six beautifully
"We Indians are arrogant,"
been so disciplined that they
es, is a 100-bed acute facility for
painter someday, hastily
admits Somi Roy of the Asia
have to let go. Actually the
; of age and older.
PROGRAMS offer the optimum com-
ological, psychosocial, and rehabilita-
of psychiatric care:
HIATRIC
ADOLESCENT
AND
PSYCHIATRIC
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
(psychiatric illness and
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E HOLLISWOOD HOSPITAL
Palermo Street, Holliswood, NY 11423
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Science
A:
Times
covers the
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world of
science the
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way The
VISA
New York Times
covers the
world.
BILL BALLENBERG
Raian Viswanathan at the University of Marviand The pressure to excel at is
best music is a strange dia-
not entirely fictional. A 1985-
directly when she decided to
Vietnamese are very entre-
loss of 'face,' that keeps them
logue between a dead com-
Equal Employment Oppor-
leave the "isolation" of sci-
preneurial and that many
from talking to a shrink."
poser and a live musician.
tunity Commission report in-
ence to pursue a career in
have made good incomes
The most pervasive worry
You can't have that dialogue
dicates that Asian-Amer-
Asian studies. Ms. Chang,
since coming to the United
among Asian-Americans is
if you're too caught up in
icans constitute 4.1 percent of
who now works as an editor
States. "But there's a price,"
that they have been typecast
technique or too caught up in
the professionals and 3.2 per-
at the Asia Society, recalls
she notes. "Most of the busi-
as superstars who achieve
your own emotions."
cent of the technicians öf pri-
her debates with several Chi-
ness is with other Vietnam-
wonders in a few limited
vate companies, but only 1.4
nese language professors
ese. It's a miniature Viet-
fields, particularly science
Cho-Liang Lin, the violinist,
percent of the managers.
who tried in vain to steer her
namese economy including
and mathematics. "When I
agrees: "Lots of Asians have
been so well trained in tech-
Discrimination and racism
away from fields that de-
everything from banking to
was in high school," says
certainly account for part of
manded high proficiency in
food to real estate. It sets
Richard Mei Jr., an assistant
nique that they are absolutely
perfect. Unfortunately, what
this discrepancy. But another
English.
limits on what people can be-
to New York's Mayor Koch.
part may be explained by dif-
As a group, Asian-Amer-
come in life."
"I once got a 65 on a math
they play makes sound, not
music."
ficulties that Asians experi-
icans present a picture of af-
Asians often feel caught in
quiz. The teacher scolded me,
ence in adapting to the spe-
fluence and economic suc-
a vise - between the pres-
'You're Chinese! You're sup-
Many Asians complain that
cial demands of American
cess. According to the 1980
sures of their traditions and
posed to be good in math.'
academic success is followed
corporate culture. Asian
census, the median income of
the pressures of trying to
Mr. Mei has pursued a career
by occupational disappoint-
businesses tend to be highly
Asian-American families is
make it in America. Some-
in foreign affairs and public
ment. Henry Tang says
structured, and successful
$23,600, while the median in-
times they respond with
service in order to break out
wryly, "The youth track can
employees are those who con-
come of white American fam-
humor as they draw parallels
of the stereotype. Peter
be spectacular and satisfy-
tribute to building consensus
iles is $20,800. The statistics
to other immigrant groups.
Wang, who has a Ph.D. in
ing. The career track is usu-
through loyalty and reserve.
become less rosy, however,
"There are a lot of similari-
physics from the University
ally less satisfying and often
The more aggressive Amer-
when one realizes that 63 per-
ties between Chinese and
of Pennsylvania, overcame
very frustrating."
ican business style, empha-
cent of Asian families have
Jews," jokes Peter Wang.
self-doubt and family pres-
The film director Peter
sizing individuality and inno-
two or more wage earners as
"Our mothers lay on the
sures in making the switch tc
Wang captured this frustra-
vation, is simply not in the
compared to only 55 percent
worst guilt trips. And we're
film directing. "Images do
tion dramatically in his
Asian tradition.
of white families. Thus many
both not very good at basket-
mold us," says Mr. Wang
movie. "The Great Wall."
The English language also
Asian-American families are
ball."
"Blacks and athletics. Asians
When the film's leading char-
represents a hurdle for many
in fact working units in which
But more often the tensions
and academics. We've got to
acter, a computer engineer
Asian immigrants in profes-
the individual worker's re-
are hidden. "It's very difficult
change the images."
named Leo Fang, is passed
sional life. Lack of fluency
turn may be quite low.
to get Asians to admit to
Ginger Lew, a Washingtor
over for a promotion, the
creates barriers to employ-
Another limiting factor is
problems of mental illness,"
attorney and former Deput:
white manager explains that
ment and promotion. It also
that a substantial segment of
asserts Carmencita Quesada
Assistant Secretary of State
the decision was based prin-
prompts some Asian-Amer-
the Asian-American econ-
Fulgado of St. John's Univer-
is adamant on the matter
cipally on age. Leo Fang re-
icans to select fields which
omy is confined to Asian im-
sity, a Philippine-born career
"The 'model minority' myti
torts: "You don't believe a
place less of a premium on
migrants themselves. Dao
counselor who is chairman of
is just that. It's a myth and :
Chinaman is good enough to
language. Eileen D. Chang, a
Spencer, a Vietnamese-
the Asian American Mental
dangerous one. It's not true it
be the director."
Westinghouse Science winner
American consultant and re-
Health Services. "Most
terms of income or status
Leo Fang's experience is
in 1979, confronted this issue
searcher, observes that the
Asians feel a kind of shame, a
(Continued on Page 92
We
have mouths
to feed.
The Humane Society of New York, for over {
years, has been giving city dogs and cats the foo
care, the medical attention their lives depend
We love what we do, but it takes more than love
non-profit organization, your dollars are the
dollars that allow us to help the city's needy ani:
Please help us keep our doors open.
The Humane Society of New
I want to help city dogs and cats. Here is my contribution of $
Name
Address
City
State
Zip
The Humane Society of New York
Animal Clinic and Adoption Center
sic is a strange dia-
not entirely fictional. A 1985-
directly when she decided to
Vietnamese are very entre-
loss of 'face,' that keeps them
tween a dead com-
Equal Employment Oppor-
leave the "isolation" of sci-
preneurial and that many
from talking to a shrink."
id a live musician.
tunity Commission report in-
ence to pursue a career in
have made good incomes
The most pervasive worry
t have that dialogue
dicates
that
Asian-Amer-
Asian studies. Ms. Chang,
since coming to the United
among Asian-Americans is
too caught up in
icans constitute 4.1 percent of
who now works as an editor
States. "But there's a price,"
that they have been typecast
e or too caught up in
the professionals and 3.2 per-
at the Asia Society, recalls
she notes. "Most of the busi-
as superstars who achieve
emotions."
cent of the technicians öf pri-
her debates with several Chi-
ness is with other Vietnam-
wonders in a few limited
vate companies, but only 1.4
nese language professors
ese. It's a miniature Viet-
fields, particularly science
ang Lin, the violinist,
percent of the managers.
who tried in vain to steer her
namese economy including
and mathematics. "When I
'Lots of Asians have
well trained in tech-
Discrimination and racism
away from fields that de-
everything from banking to
was in high school," says
food to real estate. It sets
Richard Mei Jr., an assistant
it they are absolutely
certainly account for part of
manded high proficiency in
Unfortunately, what
this discrepancy. But another
English.
limits on what people can be-
to New York's Mayor Koch.
part may be explained by dif-
As a group, Asian-Amer-
come in life."
"I once got a 65 on a math
y makes sound, not
ficulties that Asians experi-
icans present a picture of af-
Asians often feel caught in
quiz. The teacher scolded me,
ence in adapting to the spe-
fluence and economic suc-
a vise - between the pres-
'You're Chinese! You're sup-
Asians complain that
cial demands of American
cess. According to the 1980
sures of their traditions and
posed to be good in math."
ic success is followed
ipational disappoint-
corporate culture. Asian
census, the median income of
the pressures of trying to
Mr. Mei has pursued a career
businesses tend to be highly
Asian-American families is
make it in America. Some-
in foreign affairs and public
Henry Tang says
structured, and successful
$23,600, while the median in-
times they respond with
service in order to break out
The youth track can
employees are those who con-
come of white American fam-
humor as they draw parallels
of the stereotype. Peter
tacular and satisfy-
tribute to building consensus
iles is $20,800. The statistics
to other immigrant groups.
Wang, who has a Ph.D. in
career track is usu-
through loyalty and reserve.
become less rosy, however,
"There are a lot of similari-
physics from the University
satisfying and often
The more aggressive Amer-
when one realizes that 63 per-
ties between Chinese and
of Pennsylvania, overcame
strating."
ican business style, empha-
cent of Asian families have
Jews," jokes Peter Wang.
self-doubt and family pres-
film director Peter
sizing individuality and inno-
two or more wage earners as
"Our mothers lay on the
sures in making the switch to
aptured this frustra-
vation, is simply not in the
compared to only 55 percent
worst guilt trips. And we're
film directing. "Images do
ramatically in his
Asian tradition.
of white families. Thus many
both not very good at basket-
mold us," says Mr. Wang.
"The Great Wall."
The English language also
Asian-American families are
ball."
"Blacks and athletics. Asians
le film's leading char-
represents a hurdle for many
in fact working units in which
But more often the tensions
and academics. We've got to
1 computer engineer.
Asian immigrants in profes-
the individual worker's re-
are hidden. "It's very difficult
change the images."
Leo Fang, is passed
sional life. Lack of fluency
turn may be quite low.
to get Asians to admit to
Ginger Lew, a Washington
or a promotion, the
creates barriers to employ-
Another limiting factor is
problems of mental illness,"
attorney and former Deputy
ianager explains that
ment and promotion. It also
that a substantial segment of
asserts Carmencita Quesada
Assistant Secretary of State,
ision was based prin-
prompts some Asian-Amer-
the Asian-American econ-
Fulgado of St. John's Univer-
is adamant on the matter:
on age. Leo Fang re-
icans to select fields which
omy is confined to Asian im-
sity, a Philippine-born career
"The 'model minority' myth
'You don't believe a
place less of a premium on
migrants themselves. Dao
counselor who is chairman of
is just that. It's a myth and a
ian is good enough to
language. Eileen D. Chang, a
Spencer, a Vietnamese-
the Asian American Mental
dangerous one. It's not true in
irector."
Westinghouse Science winner
American consultant and re-
Health Services. "Most
terms of income or status.
Fang's experience is
in 1979, confronted this issue
searcher, observes that the
Asians feel a kind of shame, a
(Continued on Page 92)
We
have mouths
to feed.
The Humane Society of New York, for over 80
years, has been giving city dogs and cats the food, the
care, the medical attention their lives depend on.
We love what we do, but it takes more than love. As a
non-profit organization, your dollars are the only
dollars that allow us to help the city's needy animals.
Please help us keep our doors open.
The Humane Society of New York
I want to help city dogs and cats. Here is my contribution of $
Name
Address
City
State
Zip
The Humane Society of New York
^
A
Thin
ASIAN-AMERICANS
Big!
Continued from Page 89
Stereotypes, whether positive
traditions, which have
or negative, are a disservice
yielded substantial success,
to the community."
and seeking broader influ-
ence through assimilation.
T
HE CONCLUSION OF
Mrs. Choi speaks fretfully:
the contemporary
"I'm really worried about my
Asian-American story
daughters. Of course, I want
cannot yet be written. The
them to be American. But not
BIG
situation is too fluid, the num-
too American."
bers are still growing. By the
Non-Asian Americans also
year 2000, it is expected that
face a cultural challenge.
there will be another dou-
Asia has always been at the
bling in the Asian-American
periphery of our mental
population, to 10 million or
maps a place of war, of
BOLD
more. By that point, virtually
mystery and, more recently,
every major American city is
of trade. Now, prompted in
likely to have a substantial
part by the growing promi-
Asian population. Many will
nence of Asian-Americans,
be new immigrants, offering
comprehending Asia is no
both an infusion of talent and
longer a luxury.
BEAUTIF
competition for employment.
I.M. Pei, the renowned Chi-
The rapid influx of Asians
nese-American architect, ex-
has opened a new chapter in
presses it well as he leans
American immigration histo-
back in his chair and looks
ry. Asians are proving, often
thoughtfully through owlish
in unprecedented ways, that
horn-rimmed glasses. "Peo-
foreign values can flourish on
ple must realize that there
American soil. Americans
BIG SUCCESS.
really isn't such a thing as an
are proving, with some dis-
Asian-American," he says.
THE NATION'S
turbing exceptions, that im-
"There are Chinese, Koreans,
migration does not neces-
LEADING MAGA2
Japanese, Vietnamese, In-
sarily lead to exclusion and
dians and so forth. So many
IN ADVERTISING
discrimination.
different cultures. So many
The future contains a cul-
IN 1985.*
different experiences. We
tural challenge for Asians
need to understand their dif-
and non-Asians alike. Many
ferences and complexities,
Asians are likely to confront
their successes and failures.
BOLD DELIVER
a troubling dilemma as they
The first priority for Amer-
SYSTEM. WITH TH
try to find a middle ground
icans is to learn more about
between preserving Asian
AUTHORITATIVE.
Asia."
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May 4, 1989
Draft Three
ASIAN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ASIAN HERITAGE WEEK
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, MAY 8, 1989
O Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans.
O You know, an Oriental proverb says, "The two words,
'peace' and 'tranquility,' are worth a thousand pieces of gold."
Well, my pleasure in welcoming you to the White House would be
worth a thousand times that total.
O We gather today in a special week -- Asian/Pacific
American Heritage Week. Yesterday marked the 146th anniversary
Congressional
Recerd
of the day the first Japanese immigrated to America. And
6/50/77
Wednesday celebrates the 120th birthday of an event Chinese-
Americans made possible -- the driving of the Golden Spike to
complete the first Transcontinental Railroad.
O We meet, too, as special friends. And, in particular, I
want to thank three people. Jeanie Jew, who created the idea for
this week and is the grand-daughter of a Chinese pioneer who
Horton
helped build that railroad. Frank Horton, the chief sponsor of
Letter
the Heritage Week legislation. And Ruby Moy, Chairman of the
Congressional Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week Caucus.
2
O
Perhaps most of all, we assemble here for a special
reason: To salute the millions of immigrants from Asia and the
Pacific who braved the unknown and ventured to our shores. And
to salute a community which has enriched America's community --
socially, culturally, economically, spiritually.
O Someone once told me of a restaurant in China where three
American tourists walked in wearing the most outlandish safari
clothes, complete with Panama hats, backpacks, videocameras, a
brace of walkmans and a few Chinese phrases picked up from a
stateside friend who happens to own a wok.
O The friends stood around looking for a waiter, and
finally one asked in a loud voice: "How do we attract
attention?"
O Ladies and gentlemen, that's one way to "attract
attention.' But as we proclaim this Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Week, let me observe that you have chosen another way.
You've done it quietly, through excellence, with the values of
your lives.
O Those values are, of course, discipline and self-
sacrifice. Humility and compassion. An abiding belief in work.
A soaring love of freedom. Values which brought your parents,
3
your grandparents, and some of you to America. Values which are
now uplifting America.
o I think, for example, of pioneers like Gerald Tsai, Jr.
newsweek
of American Can
Or Jenlan Gee [Jen-lane JEE], the California
Teacher of the Year. Or Henry Tang and I.M. Pei. Or Sichan Siv
of our White House staff.
X
O In 1976, Sichan escaped from Cambodia, spent three months
in a refugee çamp in Thailand, and finally made his way to the
United States. Since then, to quote his words, "I have
experienced the real values of freedom, peace, prosperity,
independence, and democracy. The correct spelling of these words
is A-M-E-R-I-C-A."
O My friends, he -- you -- came to find a better life. And
you're finding it. You came to build a better America. And
you're building it. Creating new jobs. Enhancing our medical
schools, the law, our small and large businesses. In short,
honoring your heritage by the lives you lead.
o For that, I congratulate you. And, in a personal sense,
I want to thank you, too. For as Ambassador to China, I came,
with Barbara, to love that heritage. And in countless ways --
with countless friends -- to see, and share, what lies at its
center: the family.
4
+
O
Ten weeks ago, on a trip to the Pacific Rim, Barbara and
I visited the non-denominational church we'd attended in Bejing.
It's different now, bigger. But the values -- the heritage --
are the same. And the memories are even better. Like when our
Manof
X
+
X
daughter Dora was baptized -- the first person to be publicly
Fategrity
4
of
X
baptized in China in over 40 years.
O
Yes, the Asian/Pacific community has a special place in
my heart. And so does an old Chinese proverb which I have often
cited. It goes, "One generation plants the trees; another gets
the shade. "
O For decades, Asian-Americans have planted the trees of
prosperity, opportunity, and human dignity. And in coming years,
more than ever, I know that my children -- America's children --
will thank you for the shade.
O
God bless you, thank you for coming here, and God bless
the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
5-DIGIT 20503
888 7004 888 84 7 DE87 DC2-R
PRESIDENT EXEC OFFICE
726 JACKSON PL NW
P00601Y
3220 EOPW LL5G02
WASHINGTON
DC 20503
9
19
piracy?
Maj. Gen Richard Secord
an to the
He Link
TV Hearings
глио -uel the the
at the at First Witness
ПА A Close-Up Close Up Look
STORY
May 166 1987 35 $2.00
ECORD
RES
EARCH CENTER
AND
WHITE OUSE
SP LEBRARY
I
The Soap Opera Goes On
JIM AND TAMMY
(0)
B
U
S
N
E
S
S
A Superminority' Tops Out
Asian-Americans confront job discrimination-and struggle to fit in
enry S. Tang bitterly remembers
finish school they're going to hit a wall."
Street. But that image has a downside: a
H
the day a corporate recruiter
Asians say the wall is racism. Once hired,
reputation for quiet achievement can be
took him aside and said, "I'm
Asian workers complain, they soon "top
interpreted as passivity. Bosses frequent-
really doing you a favor." No, he
out," reaching the point beyond which
ly cite language deficiencies when deny-
wasn't going to give him a job.
their bosses will not promote them. Asians
ing promotions, but workers suspect that
Instead, he told Tang to give up on his
made up 4.3 percent of professionals and
stereotyping is at the bottom of more than
company-"We prefer to hire American
technicians but just 1.4 percent of officials
a few cases. Says Arthur Hu, an MIT grad-
nationals." Tang stumbled into a phone
and managers in 1985, according to the
uate who studies Asian-American demo-
booth and sat there stunned, choking back
EEOC. "Discrimination has to be part of
graphics: "They're seen as weaker, less
tears. It would not be the last time. Five
the explanation," says Robert Oxnam,
capable of handling people. You know,
more companies that rejected Tang for ex-
president of The Asia Society in New York.
real men aren't engineers or geeks with
ecutive-track jobs hinted that race was a
Many of the Asians' problems actually
glasses playing the violin." Betty Vetter,
factor. Twenty years later, the Shearson
stem from their image as a "superminor-
executive director of the Commission on
Lehman Brothers senior vice president
ity." To a large extent the stereotype rings
Professionals in Science and Technology,
won't reveal the companies that shunned
true: the Confucian heritage of discipline,
dismisses such talk with a rhetorical
him. "They are all my clients now," he says
family, hard work and education can be
question about the Japanese: "If they
with a satisfied smile.
seen from Korean groceries to Wall
don't make good managers, how in the
The "favor" of telling Tang to look else-
where would invite a lawsuit today. Asians
now feel discrimination's sting in more
subtle ways. While employers readily snap
up young Asians, promotions into upper
management are rare. In the past, Asians
who felt exploited rarely even complained.
That's changing. Some, like Nelvin Gee,
sue. The former General Motors engineer
is demanding $4 million after the company
passed him over for a fast-track fellowship.
(According to court documents, a GM inter-
viewer judged Gee to be more committed to
himself than to the corporation.) Profes-
sionals aren't the only protesters: more
than 100 Vietnamese Circle K conven-
ience-store clerks in Houston took their
fight against alleged anti-Vietnamese lay-
offs to the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission.
'Hit a wall': It seems Americans have al-
ways felt some enmity toward Asians. The
latest reasons: the U.S. trade deficit with
Japan and Asians' relentless work habits.
Though Asian-Americans certainly have
not suffered the same magnitude of work-
place discrimination as blacks, a 1986 re-
port by the Commission on Civil Rights
concluded: "Anti-Asian activity in the form
of violence, vandalism, harassment and in-
timidation continues to occur across the
nation." As their presence increases-dou-
bling to 10 million by the end of the century
(chart)-Asians fear a flood of college-age
youths will face increasing discrimination
when they reach the work force. Boston
lawyer Harry Yee says he hears Asian
college kids say, "We're Yuppies now; we
just don't have BMW's yet." Yee warns,
MARIO RUIZ
"These students don't know. When they
No more tears: Investment banker Henry Tang in his office at Shearson Lehman
48 NEWSWEEK MAY 11, 1987
world did they get SO far ahead of us?"
20001
Asians often accept at least partial
An Influx of New Immigrants
9.9
blame for their troubles. "If you don't make
it," explains Ronald Chin, president of the
A
11 members of the superminority are not
1990*
Asian Management and Business Associa-
superearners-especially the recent influx of
Asian
Indian
tion, "it's basically your fault." Common
poorly educated, rural Indochinese immigrants.
6.5
$18,707
job mistakes include focusing solely on nar-
row tasks instead of getting broad experi-
Asian Americans in the
1980
Japanese
ence. Socially, Asians too often confine
United States
$16,829
themselves to an Asian subculture and
IN MILLIONS
Chinese
shun chitchat. "We don't play enough
1970
3.5
White
1960
$15,753
golf," jokes Marisa Chuang, a Detroit men-
$15,572
e
tal-health administrator.
Korean
0.9
1.4
When Asians do feel wronged, cultural
Filipino
$14,224
conditioning pressures them to avoid con-
Income by Ethnic Group
$13,690
frontation. Many Asians face adversity
FULL-TIME AMERICAN WORKERS,
with what the Japanese call gambare: sim-
MEDIAN ANNUAL INCOME**
ply doing one's best. Many would rather
Viet-
Hispanic
switch than fight, moving to another com-
Black
namese
$11,650
pany or launching their own-though some
$11,327
$11,641
*PROJECTIONS *1980 CENSUS DATA
BLUMRICH
SOURCE: POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU, INC.
NEWSWEEK
would chafe under any boss's yoke. One
entrepreneur, Moon H. Yuen, realized after
27 years at engineering giant Bechtel that
he was unlikely to rise above the rank of
employer for power-generation projects.
despite good work evaluations. She said she
chief electrical engineer. So he launched
Now, turning the other cheek is going out of
was fired for complaining; her suit has not
YEI Engineers Inc. Over the past 10 years
style, says Yoshio Fujiwara, who helped
yet come to trial. RKO counters that it has
his company has occasionally outbid his old
Toyota and General Motors create their
no set manager's salary.
joint effort in Fremont, Calif., when he was
Many Asians find a less expensive path
a city councilman. Says Fujiwara: "The
than the courts: making themselves more
coming generation will be more prone to
attractive to American business. In part
fight back when they are slapped."
this means going beyond narrow technical
The fighting has already begun. Some
training. Asian students now pursue pro-
Asians even sue-a sure sign of American-
fessions ranging from finance to fine arts.
ization. Most work grievances used to in-
Filmmaker Peter Wang, who plays an ex-
volve enforcing minimum-wage laws; now
ecutive who stalks out of his office after
more than half of the 125 discrimination
being passed over for a promotion in his"A
complaints heard each year at San Fran-
Great Wall," urges parents to nurture cre-
cisco's Chinese for Affirmative Action, a
ativity: "Leave these kids alone
let them
Chinatown community organization, come
dream." Young Asians are also getting bet-
from white-collar workers. In New York,
ter at fitting in. Soo Kounne, 26, started as a
Lourdes Avelino, a Filipino, was a manager
secretary at Chemical Bank in New York
of equal-employment opportunity at RKO.
and quickly jumped to assistant manager.
"If they had told me I had to dye my hair
She doesn't limit her circle of friends to
blond, I would have," she says. She found
Asians and says she has never encountered
YEi
she made $10,000 less than white managers
discrimination. Like every immigrant
group, Asians may pay a price for main-
Secret of my success: Entrepreneur Yuen
stream success. Each new generation risks
(left), Kounne (foreground) and friends
becoming, as Asians say, "bananas," yel-
JAMES D. WILSON-NEWSWEEK
MARIO RUIZ
low on the outside and white on the inside.
Kounne says it is possible to have success
and a heritage: "I call myself Korean, but
I'm still Korean-American."
Untapped resources: Companies, too, try to
right past wrongs. Thousands of AT&T em-
ployees have attended workshops that
boost Asian workers' office skills and en-
gage managers and workers in group dis-
cussion. Companies don't do it out of chari-
ty. With Asian nations becoming ever more
powerful in the global economy, the lan-
guage skills and cultural backgrounds of
Asians are resources too important to leave
untapped. For U.S. firms, it may provide
the competitive edge they need.
JOHN SCHWARTZ in New York with
GEORGE RAINE in San Francisco,
KATE ROBINS in Boston and bureau reports
NEWSWEEK MAY 11, 1987
49
U.K., Geum, Fra, It, Jup, can,
american
asian Heritage Week.
- Chrise Writer Lin Jang
3014 stats on Asian American progress
Chinese or Orcental Proverb
- Enriched
3014 names of outstanding Asians it this country
anther Wang maybe
-asian Desh 675 5150 -
6803 for Donovan
Census - fudy Banister
- 763-7662
4012
Melinda Kitchel-Education
Mary Crawford 732-83020
nuruk May 11 87 109:48-49
Fortune Nov 2486
NYTMay N30 86 P72 Interg
Michelle Easton/5404
Ph. Deltakapper Mw 80
having woldt 752-5412
John Barth Intergov.
(al. Teacher Teacher
Jen-lane - " Comm Innauz ration Ceremory
Gee
at Fed Hall
Modesto, cal
thresline Sipherd School Elementary -Cal. Teacher of th year.
fenlane Gee - Chinese