Lessons from PBS film Asian Americans

A little over a year ago, I stumbled upon a documentary on PBS. I proceeded to record all five episodes of the film series ASIAN AMERICANS, a ground-breaking documentary that chronicles the contributions and challenges of Asian Americans, the fastest-growing ethnic group in America.

In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I had the privilege to host several discussion sessions on this series. Many thanks to all my colleagues who have generously shared their time and perspectives to support my learning journey culminating with an APAHM-themed trivia-thon.

The most frequent comment I heard during our sessions was “I didn’t learn this in school" because the?current K-12 and higher education curricula typically do not reflect the history of Asian Americans. Thus, I humbly offer my reflections with links to short videos and lesson plans along with episode descriptions from PBS for those who are interested to help foster understanding, inclusion and allyship through education.

Reflections on Episode 1

Breaking Ground - In an era of exclusion and U.S. empire, new immigrants arrive from China, India, Japan, the Philippines and beyond. Barred by anti-Asian laws they become America’s first “undocumented immigrants,” yet they build railroads, dazzle on the silver screen, and fight for equality to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Reflections on Episode 2

A Question of Loyalty - An American-born generation straddles their country of birth and their parents’ homelands in Japan and Korea. Those loyalties are tested during World War II, when families are imprisoned in detention camps, and brothers find themselves on opposite sides of the battle lines.

Reflections on Episode 3

Good Americans - During the Cold War years, Asian Americans are simultaneously heralded as a Model Minority and targeted as the perpetual foreigner. It is also a time of bold ambition, as Asian Americans aspire for the first time to national political office and a coming culture-quake simmers beneath the surface.

Reflections on Episode 4

Generation Risking - During a time of war and social tumult, a young generation fights for equality in the fields, on campuses and in the culture, and claim a new identity: Asian Americans. The war’s aftermath brings new immigrants and refugees who expand the population and the definition of Asian America.

Reflections on Episode 5

Breaking Through - At the turn of the new millennium, the national conversation turns to immigration, race, and economic disparity. As the U.S. becomes more diverse, yet more divided, a new generation of Asian Americans tackle the question, how do we as a nation move forward together?

I truly appreciate learning something new with each viewing of the series though would be interested to see a more diverse representation of Asian origin groups in similar future productions. I am immensely grateful to Renee Tajima-Pena and the Center for Asian American Media team for curating powerful stories to elevate visibility of the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans over a span of more than 150 years in the history of the United States.

It’s exciting to hear this film recently received a Peabody Award nomination in the documentary category. I hope you will enjoy this series and welcome suggestions below for further learning in solidarity.

The views expressed by the author are personal and not necessarily those of Ernst & Young LLP or other members of the global EY organization.