I am writing in response to the article entitled “Roth, faculty push for Middle Eastern studies in new initiatives,” which appeared in the March 28 issue of the Argus (Volume CXLIII, Number 35), in order to address President Roth’s interests in “[doubling] the number of international students on campus, as well as [developing] a Middle Eastern Studies Program.” These initiatives are a part of the administration’s efforts to “internationalize” Wesleyan so that students are prepared to engage in a diverse, globalized world. I applaud the administration’s desire to enact institutional change. It is refreshing. But as the administration moves forward in the next few years in implementing initiatives that will “strengthen the undergraduate experience,” “internationalize” Wesleyan, inspire a “creative campus” and “civic engagement” (see Roth’s blog entry on Trustees and Themes for the Future), I would like to remind the University that internationalizing the Wesleyan curriculum and inspiring civic engagement in the Wesleyan student body necessitates the inclusion of Asian American Studies.
As the United States becomes increasingly and inextricably linked to Asia, particularly China and India in foreign and economic relations, Asian American Studies becomes particularly relevant and essential. A look at the current global issues affecting the United States—food shortages, oil crises, terrorism, the brain drain and outsourcing—all shape American attitudes towards Asian Americans. If there is any doubt about this, simply remember how the American government treated Japanese Americans during World War II, attitudes during the Korean and Vietnam wars and the violence inflicted upon Arab Americans and South Asian Americans (particularly Sikhs) in the aftermath of 9/11.
The simple truth is that the interactions between the U.S. and Asia abroad tellingly reflect how Asian Americans are treated at home. For example, whether an Asian American is considered American or a foreign Asian has consistently fluctuated in the past with American sentiment towards Asians abroad. As soon as considering an Asian American as a foreigner becomes a possibility, the revoking of fundamental rights guaranteed to any U.S. citizen may follow dangerously at its heels. If the concerns, histories and cultures of Asian Americans were not the concerns of the rest of the American community before, they should be now. As Americans, it is our civic duty and responsibility to be well-informed and concerned about the treatment of fellow U.S. citizens. As an educational institution that prides itself in diversity and activism, the University should provide the time, space and resources for the student to become well-informed about all communities in the United States, including the Asian American community.
Not only should the University institutionalize Asian American studies because of the undeniable contribution Asian Americans have made to U.S. history, but also because the understanding of Asian American political history and culture is fundamental to preventing policy and legislation that will negatively impact the quality of life of American citizens and residents. Wesleyan produces bright intellectuals and social activists in every graduating class who go on to shape policy in labor, education, immigration, law, etc. In order to develop policies and services that will positively support Americans from a diverse variety of backgrounds and experiences, it is fundamental that Wesleyan students are well-informed about the histories of the communities that have shaped the U.S.—including AA communities, whose histories and experiences are a vital and essential part of American history.
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