FT News Briefing The data invisibility of Asian Americans
Apr 23, 2021
Christine Zhang, a data journalist at the Financial Times specializing in Asian American communities, dives deep into the critical issue of data invisibility. She reveals how the lack of accurate statistics neglects the unique challenges faced by these communities, especially amid rising anti-Asian sentiments. Zhang also highlights the consequences of inadequate data in reinforcing stereotypes and discusses the powerful role of personal stories in advocating for visibility. Her insights encourage a broader understanding of the Asian American experience in today's society.
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Data Invisibility of Asian Americans
- Asian Americans are often overlooked in data due to small sample sizes in surveys.
- A representative sample is costly, hindering comprehensive data collection.
Defining the AAPI Community
- Defining the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is complex due to its diversity of ethnicities and languages.
- Grouping all AAPIs into one category can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, like the "model minority" myth.
Data vs. Anecdotes
- Data can be misleading when it overlooks individual stories and experiences.
- Focus on the people behind the numbers to understand the full picture, especially for issues like hate crimes.