Identity is complex and fluid; it can’t be explained by demography or genetics. See my friend David Berreby’s book Us and Them if you really want your mind blown. For me, Asian-American has always deeply been part of my identity. Yet it has not been a deep part of my civic life. I suspect I’m not alone; just last week, an Economist article’s headline read, “Chinese-Americans are becoming politically active.”
Today, I signed up to get updates from the Boston chapter of the National Association of Asian-American Professionals. Truth be told, I would have joined as a member. But their website does not seem particularly up-to-date so I’m concerned that they’re dormant. Since I don’t yet know the organization very well, I’ll reserve judgment and hope they have meaningful programs and events in the near future. I’ll get more involved should real opportunities arise.