College Courses in Asian Studies

I read with interest and a feeling of vindication the recent series of articles dealing with different aspects of the increasing Asian enrollment at California campuses (Dec. 26, 27). Asian American students are coming into their own and are poised to make significant contributions to our society.

It was not always so. More than 20 years ago, I was the first instructor to teach Japanese language and culture at UC Irvine in the Comparative Cultures Department. I had the highest enrollment and evaluation. Asian studies, including Chinese language, Japanese literature and Filipino studies, had also been introduced.

After teaching at UC Irvine for three years, I received my termination notice. (All other instructors who taught Asian studies were also let go). Students were outraged. Thousands of names were collected on petitions to keep my classes in the program. A Japanese counselor and I spoke to the then chancellor. This is what he said: “The only reason students want to learn Japanese is because they want to get jobs with Toyota or Mazda. Let them pick up the tab.”

I have watched recent developments with some satisfaction. Yet, the struggle to maintain and bolster Asian and Asian American studies continues. At this time, I am the only full-time instructor in the nine-campus Los Angeles Community College District who teaches Asian American studies. Although our enrollment of Asian students is up dramatically, programs to serve them as well as all other students are usually treated like stepchildren of the general curriculum. This is especially so at budget time, when the pressure to eliminate Asian studies and language courses is almost as strong as it was 20 years ago.

This may not change until some of the Asian American students now making their successful way through the system move into positions of decision-making power. I look forward to this with confidence.

KAORI TANEGASHIMA

Pacific Palisades