By outdoor-nature-child.com In a recent exclusive interview with World Journal, Wang Yanbang, president of the API Coalition, discussed the vital role of Asian American political participation as we commemorate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month this May. Wang, who immigrated to the United States from Taiwan in 1973, forged his path as a physician through sheer determination. His personal challenges, particularly when his son was diagnosed with autism, led him to co-found the Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) in 1996. Since then, FCSN has successfully connected and supported countless multicultural families across the country. Additionally, Wang is a fervent advocate for increasing Asian American representation in government, spearheading the API Coalition’s mission to encourage Asian Pacific Americans to assume leadership roles.
Wang addressed the issue of anti-Asian sentiment, sharing experiences from the pandemic that highlighted unwarranted attacks against Asian Americans, including a distressing incident involving a friend’s sister who was randomly assaulted in San Francisco. He reflected, “The connection between the virus and China is still being debated. More importantly, what does this have to do with Chinese Americans?”
Emphasizing the need for significant societal change to counter anti-Asian attitudes, Wang insisted on the importance of public education alongside increased interaction between the Asian community and mainstream society. “Why are we often targeted? It’s because we do not engage enough with the mainstream. If we interacted more, we would find that our commonalities far outweigh our differences,” he explained. This recognition motivated him to co-found the Chinese Rights Service Center in 1991, aimed at securing basic rights for Chinese Americans.
Wang pointed out a prevalent behavior within the Chinese community: a tendency to react only when issues arise, rather than proactively engaging with others. Even with numerous Chinese Americans achieving success in various fields, there is often a tendency to remain within their own communities. He believes this isolation leads to misunderstandings about the Chinese community from the outside. “When communication falters, we need intermediaries to share the voices of those who don’t speak English,” he emphasized, highlighting that language barriers shouldn’t hinder engagement. “In peaceful times, we must communicate and understand each other, so that when problems arise, there’s mutual support.”
Highlighting the positive aspects of the Chinese community’s response to hate crimes, Wang stated, “When victims rise up, they need to resist. We can’t just endure without fighting back; but it’s equally important to build a strong community beforehand.” He then shifted the discussion to the crucial need for Asian American representation in politics. “While the media may cover our stories, their impact is limited. When politicians speak, their words resonate not only within our community but also reach the mainstream.”
Wang underscored the significance of having Asian Americans in government roles, pointing out that while white officials may claim to represent Chinese interests, they often lack the deep cultural understanding that only someone from the community can provide. “Having a face that looks like theirs in government is incredibly encouraging for young Asian Americans. They see success and feel inspired,” he noted.
Through initiatives like the API Coalition, Wang remains committed to advocating for greater representation and participation, believing it is essential for empowering future generations within the Asian American community.