Kwon and Aoki

I find it quite interesting that the immigrant issues mentioned in Kwon's article are always brought about to the public by pan-ethnic groups. It is beneficial for small immigrant group to be represented by larger pan-ethnic groups in order to gain attention. However, I believe that sometimes these groups should not always represent smaller Asian American communities. It is important for small Asian American communities to place their stake in America and confront issues that are specific to them. Additionally, the relationship between the youth and the Cambodian immigrants in the context of holding little power in politics is somewhat similar to the first wave of Asian immigrants and their children as people unable to acquire citizenship.

The film Aoki highlights the beginning of ethnic studies in California. I thought it was interesting how the struggle was hard fought and how it put Asian American bodies on the line. In addition, I noticed how Richard Aoki's outfit was very similar to the Black Panther style. It is also worth noting that both Aoki and the Black Panthers were militant and radical in promoting pan-ethnic solidarity and resistance of police force.