Culture in Evaluation #7: Asian/Pacific Islander Populations Tobacco Control Evaluation with Asians and Pacific Islanders in California “Men’s natures are alike; it is only their habits that nomic status, linguistic isolation, level of assimilation, carry them far apart.”— Confucius and whether someone was born in the US or another homeland. The aim of this tool is to facilitate your evaluation work by highlighting the relevant cultural traits of the various Asian Characteristics ethnic subgroups within the Asian/Pacific Islander There are over 4.5 million Asians in California — people population, and provide practical advice for conducting originating from the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the culturally appropriate evaluation activities in Asian and Asian subcontinent (US Census Bureau, 2007). They Pacific Islander communities in California. came from 25 cultures in home countries as diverse as Who are the Asian/Pacific Islanders the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Pakistan, in California? Bangladesh, Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. While many differences exist Few of the California Tobacco Control Program’s priority among the various Asian ethnic groups, there are a populations are as diverse as the Asian/Pacific Islander number of cultural values that are shared by a majority (A/PI) category. In fact, this population is comprised of of them, in part, due to the influence of Confucianism at least 58 linguistically distinct ethnic and racial groups and Buddhism. (Ro, 2000). They form the fastest growing ethnic/racial category in the US (CA Dept. of Health, 2006). Together, In most Asian cultures, the family is the most important Asians and Pacific Islanders account for 12.9% of Califor- unit of influence. Individuals tend to put the needs of nia’s population, the third largest group after Whites and the family before their own, a cultural trait known as Hispanics (US Census Bureau, 2007). Because there are collectivism. Within the family, as well as the wider some significant differences between the cultural origins society, a hierarchy based on age and gender known as and values of Asians and those of Pacific Islanders, this filial piety is practiced, where respect and deference is document will address the common traits of these two given especially to elders and males. In keeping with subgroups separately. this value, individuals are expected to exercise control of their emotions and conform to social or family norms in About Making Generalizations order to avoid disgracing the family. Although children Although for the sake of utility this document describes are encouraged to achieve distinction through their and presents characteristics and values common to academic and occupational pursuits, it is not for their various segments of A/PI communities, such generaliza- own individual glory or fulfillment; rather achievement is tions do not capture the full picture accurately. There are to be sought for the benefit and recognition it brings the MANY differences both within each cultural subgroup immediate as well as extended family, which may include as well as across the larger population categories (Kim very close friends. Individuals are expected to display et al., 2001). The degree to which individuals subscribe proper modesty and humility, and boastful behavior is to the cultural values portrayed below can be greatly looked down upon. These societal values characterize affected by a number of factors such as: generational the ideals of the religious philosophies which pervade differences, gender, educational attainment, socioeco- Asia (Kim et al., 2001). 1 Culture in Evaluation #7: Asian/Pacific Islander Populations Tobacco Control Evaluation with Asians and Pacific Islanders in California Asian norms and values are often conveyed and enforced tongues. People typically learn Tagalog, which serves as through unspoken cues that may not be recognized as the national language, as well as their local language or such by those from other cultures. When conducting dialect. Many also study English, the “language of status” evaluation activities in Asian American communities, used in business and government (Gochenour, 1990). Of be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific cultural the Filipinos in California, most speak Tagalog, Illocano, norms and practices of the community so that you are Visayan and English, although 36% say they don’t speak attuned to what is being communicated both verbally English very well (Dela Cruz, Padilla & Agustin, 2000). and non-verbally. Often, the words that are being spoken In addition to its many indigenous variations, Filipino are of secondary importance to what is being communi- culture was significantly shaped by the values of the cated through culturally understood indicators. Lastly, be foreign powers which have dominated it. Nearly four aware of what perceptions you may be creating, inten- centuries of colonization by the Spanish and then the tionally or otherwise. Americans have given Filipinos “a decidedly ‘Western’ In the following section, the relevant historical influ- orientation” which sets them apart from other Asian ences and unique cultural traits and norms of each traditions (Gochenour, 1990). Catholicism, rather than of the largest Asian ethnic groups in California will be Buddhism or Confucianism is the predominant religious addressed. It’s important to note that while we are belief system. Although Islam and native paganism are highlighting unique cultural features of the various also practiced in some areas, the Philippines is uniquely subgroups, it is not our intention to foster stereotypes. the only Christian country in Asia. In addition, the sexes Indeed, capturing the many subtle cultural variations enjoy an equality that is not found in the patriarchy of among all subpopulations in California is difficult to other Asian cultures (Agbayani-Siewert, 1997). Strong accomplish in a relatively brief tip sheet such as this. We social, economic and political leanings towards the have tried to bring to light cultural nuances that are rele- United States stem from the four decades of American vant to conducting effective and respectful evaluations colonial occupation which began with the Philippine with Asian Americans in California. American War (1899-1913). This was further strength- ened by American involvement in the Pacific through Asian American Subpopulations the establishment of US military bases. These factors Filipinos account for the quick assimilation of Filipino immigrants in California and throughout the United States. With a population of over 1.3 million, Filipinos constitute the largest Asian American ethnic group in California One thing non-Filipinos may find difficult to fully appre- (American Immigration Institute, 2006) and their ciate is the extent to which maintaining smooth personal numbers are growing (Romero et al., 2007). Despite relationships governs every facet of Filipino behavior this, not much research has focused on Filipinos, and (Agbayani-Siewert, 1994; 1995). This value is upheld in they are not as well understood as other Asian American each social interaction through the practice of: subgroups in the US (Kitano, 1980; Agbayani-Siewert, 1994), especially when it comes to smoking (Romero et 1. Reciprocal obligation (utang ng loob). Relation- al., 2008). ships are cemented by the giving and receiving of favors or services. For example, small gifts are The diverse ethnicities, languages, and religions that given as a token of appreciation for someone’s exist in Filipino culture make it especially important time. Honor requires that if a favor or service to learn as much as possible about the specific Filipi- has been received, it must also be returned at no-American community you’ll be working with before some point. conducting your evaluation activities. Filipino Americans 2. Shame (hiya). The shame of the individual come from a country comprised of 7,100 islands where brings shame on the family. The threat of letting three different indigenous racial types speak 87 different one’s family down helps enforce societal norms. 2 Culture in Evaluation #7: Asian/Pacific Islander Populations Tobacco Control Evaluation with Asians and Pacific Islanders in California Gossip, rather than open disagreement, may political systems, and experiences that brought them be used as a means to encourage a community here. member to start behaving properly. Early Chinese immigrants formed Chinatowns to settle 3. Going along with others (pakikisama). To Fili- and work in, initially as a defense against the racism pinos, it is often more important to maintain they experienced. Because they were mostly excluded group harmony than to conclude business that from mainstream society, Chinatowns developed their leaves some people with hard feelings (Goche- own social systems and governance through the rule nour, 1990). In organizational settings, this might of kin-related clans, benevolent associations and the mean that it will take longer to complete tasks, tongs or secret societies. Even today, these organizations as the primary emphasis is not on time but on can serve either as entry points or “locked gates” to reaching consensus and maintaining relation- outsiders wanting access to Chinese American communi- ships. In order to avoid looking self-important, ties (Wong, 1995). Filipinos may be reluctant to voice an opinion Chinatowns still play a role in Chinese American settle- unless they are asked individually. ment