The Debate Over the Relevance of "Asian American and Pacific Islander"

The terms Asian American, AAPI, and other acronyms have been used to describe a diverse population of over 24 million people with roots in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Hawaii, Samoa, Guam, Fiji, Tonga, Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and other Pacific islands. While these terms have been widely used, some people within these communities do not fully identify with them. Some South Asians and Southeast Asians argue that Asian American is seen as synonymous with East Asian, while many Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders feel that their distinct histories and challenges are erased under the AAPI umbrella. Despite the limitations of these labels, they provide a means for communities to access resources and unite against oppression.