Reaching Out to Asians with the Liberty Message?

[He Who Pawns]

Most of the libertarian or even tea party rallies I see have very few Asians participating. At least that is what I notice, anecdotally.

I can understand why some "minorities" might favor socialism, if they have some short-term economic interest in doing so. Anyone who is low income would seem to have an incentive to promote socialism and redistribution -- even if WE know this logic is flawed in the long run. But Asians tend to be quite prosperous and content, so I am wondering why more of them do not join our cause?

I guess maybe you could argue that many Asians come from cultures where conformance is emphasized and "rabble-rousing" is frowned upon?

It seems to me like someone well dressed and mild-mannered could walk into a Asian-owned small business, for example, with some brief literature, and lay out a strong case for why that business owner might want to support the liberty movement in elections.

Anyone have any thoughts on this subject?

[Original_Intent]

Most of the libertarian or even tea party rallies I see have very few Asians participating. At least that is what I notice, anecdotally.

I can understand why some "minorities" might favor socialism, if they have some short-term economic interest in doing so. Anyone who is low income would seem to have an incentive to promote socialism and redistribution -- even if WE know this logic is flawed in the long run. But Asians tend to be quite prosperous and content, so I am wondering why more of them do not join our cause?

I guess maybe you could argue that many Asians come from cultures where conformance is emphasized and "rabble-rousing" is frowned upon?

It seems to me like someone well dressed and mild-mannered could walk into a Asian-owned small business, for example, with some brief literature, and lay out a strong case for why that business owner might want to support the liberty movement in elections.

Anyone have any thoughts on this subject?

Bolded above nails it. I lived in Japan for a couple of years back in the 80s. There is an "underground" of indivualists, but at least when I was there, they were treated as though they belonged in jail or a mental institution. I think that may be changing slowly, but at least 25 years ago, conformity and knowing your place and filling it were a very big deal.

China and other Asian countries where the is less freedom than Japan I expect it is even more that way, the freedom underground has had to bury themselves even deeper to avoid getting exterminated.

[Annihilia]

Most of the libertarian or even tea party rallies I see have very few Asians participating. At least that is what I notice, anecdotally.

I can understand why some "minorities" might favor socialism, if they have some short-term economic interest in doing so. Anyone who is low income would seem to have an incentive to promote socialism and redistribution -- even if WE know this logic is flawed in the long run. But Asians tend to be quite prosperous and content, so I am wondering why more of them do not join our cause?

I guess maybe you could argue that many Asians come from cultures where conformance is emphasized and "rabble-rousing" is frowned upon?

It seems to me like someone well dressed and mild-mannered could walk into a Asian-owned small business, for example, with some brief literature, and lay out a strong case for why that business owner might want to support the liberty movement in elections.

Anyone have any thoughts on this subject?

Well I guess I can attempt to shed some light on this.

I'm of Japanese descent but that hasn't had much of an effect on my political orientation. I suppose my parents instilled a sort of individualist spirit in me by allowing me to explore my interests freely. They've always told me that they didn't care what I did with my life as long as I ended up happy. I realize now that this is pretty atypical of first generation Japanese parents, so I guess I won the parental lottery.

Although the first half of my life I had grown up without encountering too many other Asian families, I've noticed later on in life that a lot of them tend to end up on the statist side of the spectrum. Not so much the militant Chinese-style execution bus brand of statism, but the help everyone with other people's money kind that is so popular here.

I've actually thought about this and my conclusion is that it must be due to the fact that a lot of the people they come to associate most with are what I'd consider the "college liberal" crowd. As to why this may be, I'd say it is due to the typically heavy Asian parental emphasis on schooling, which naturally has them gravitate towards fellow Ivy-bound self-described "compassionate intellectuals" of all colors. Of course, this doesn't account for all Asians as circumstances may be different for each person, but on the whole, those who come from families which value schooling (not necessarily education.. ZING!) seem to fall into this category.

As far as how to reach out, I'd say take the same approach as you would any other Kool Aid-addled collegiate moron.

[dannno]

I should probably mention that the leader of my meet-up group was asian... but ya, I would say culture is related to this issue.

[Dark_Horse_Rider]

Realizing that everything that you previously believed to be " real " is really a crock is not something that most people of any race can easily handle. Why ?

There are probably various reasons, however, it is my opinion that one of the main reason is that having such knowledge would require one to change. To stand outside of the accepted norm.

[gls]

I think we need to work on ways to reach out to non-voters (the majority), regardless of ethnicity. People who are already disillusioned are easier to persuade, plus as the impact of the government's failed policies really starts to take its toll, many will feel forced to put away their apathy and get involved.

[Jeremy]

The first event I went to was the last ETF in New York a couple weeks ago. I'd say maybe 5% of the people there were Asian, so I'm not really sure what you're talking about....

[Annihilia]

The first event I went to was the last ETF in New York a couple weeks ago. I'd say maybe 5% of the people there were Asian, so I'm not really sure what you're talking about....

Also consider that the tristate area has a disproportionate number of Asians compared to the rest of the country. I would be surprised to hear that the other ETF locations had such a high Asian turnout.

[mczerone]

There is an observable correlation because of familial culture. As has been pointed out in the thread - any person of any genealogical descent can see that Freedom Works only if they can escape the fog of Statist conformity.

Some individuals get lucky with parents that encourage seeking and knowing rather than following and reacting. We must devise ways to point out to all people that the State in all endeavors is, at best, a powerful evil that must be constrained to moral ends.

Those persons who recognize ethics will react to the Molyneux "against me" argument, and this shakes the foundation of the branch of their beliefs that had been built only through collectivist State propaganda. This argument will appeal to those who value the State as a means to any cultural end: they will be more secure in their own cultural values without resorting to using the State or recognizing the State as a valid way to limit their culture.


I think we need to work on ways to reach out to non-voters (the majority), regardless of ethnicity. People who are already disillusioned are easier to persuade, plus as the impact of the government's failed policies really starts to take its toll, many will feel forced to put away their apathy and get involved.

I've been trying to come up with a public way to point out that if we were to really count things "democratically," we would have little to no government at all - very very few options on any public ballot ever beat out "not voting" as the real top choice of the people.

We should market a public, voluntary Resolution for 2010: We are going to recognize the winner of any Congressional race only if they beat the number of non-voting persons, IN TOTAL, both who are eligible and just don't vote, and those who are in-eligible to vote, for age or criminal conviction: if they are to be bound by this decision, they should at least be entitled to have to be outnumbered to live by other people's decisions.

If any district's winner doesn't break that threshold, we encourage the people of that district to suspend taxes for lack of true representation.

just thinking out loud here...

[Original_Intent]

Thinking out loud and smoking...what?;)

I like the sound of it, yes, but it is one of those "looks good on paper" ideas.

[Jodo]

I think the OP has raised an interesting question. Recall the interment of Japanese Americans on the west coast following Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 and how seemingly compliant the people were to pack a suitcase, leave their homes and get on a bus to be taken to a camp. If instead Roosevelt had called for White Americans to go to camps we would have seen widespread and massive resistance.

Much has changed today but I would have to agree that it's due to cultural norms that many Asians perceive those who challenge authority as "trouble makers". Although I believe that if the issue were related to Asian rights and to the Asian community then you would see a lot more unity among Asians, even of different nationalities, to band together to fight against it. Being that I live in the Seattle area which has a higher percentage of Asians than other parts of the country I can report having seen Asians at events and rallies like End The Fed.

Here's a patriot who happens to be Asian:
YouTube - Anson Supports Ed and Elaine Brown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxMOa3S2oCI)

[brandon]

One of the most active and intelligent members of my meetup was an Asian chick.

I don't really think there's a disproportionately small number of Asians interested in freedom.

We need to reach out to individuals, not groups.

[Annihilia]

One of the most active and intelligent members of my meetup was an Asian chick.

I don't really think there's a disproportionately small number of Asians interested in freedom.

We need to reach out to individuals, not groups.

It's not about groups, you are right. The OP's question was simply why, based upon his own empirical observations, does the number seem to be low.

Like I said, it's more about the mindset of college kids than it is about ethnicity or even culture. I don't believe for a second that it is a built-in aversion to freedom. I think everybody (except maybe Jackie Chan (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30280511/)) is interested in liberty, but the overwhelming majority seem to think this is only achievable through the state. Our schools, intentionally or otherwise, steer people to think this way.

[ChaosControl]

We need more cute asian girls!

[Original_Intent]

We need more cute asian girls!

no need to repeat yourself :)

[dr. hfn]

Asians have historically been submissive and complacent for the most part. They have lived under massive Imperial Governments for a very long time. Knowing your place and being obedient were valued.

Let's get started!

[ItsTime]

Is this thread a joke? We should be reaching out to every and anyone.

[nate895]

Let's start by co-opting Sun Tzu's tactics for our own in the political realm!!!

[american.swan]

Well I guess I can attempt to shed some light on this.

I'm of Japanese descent but that hasn't had much of an effect on my political orientation. I suppose my parents instilled a sort of individualist spirit in me by allowing me to explore my interests freely. They've always told me that they didn't care what I did with my life as long as I ended up happy. I realize now that this is pretty atypical of first generation Japanese parents, so I guess I won the parental lottery.

Although the first half of my life I had grown up without encountering too many other Asian families, I've noticed later on in life that a lot of them tend to end up on the statist side of the spectrum. Not so much the militant Chinese-style execution bus brand of statism, but the help everyone with other people's money kind that is so popular here.

I've actually thought about this and my conclusion is that it must be due to the fact that a lot of the people they come to associate most with are what I'd consider the "college liberal" crowd. As to why this may be, I'd say it is due to the typically heavy Asian parental emphasis on schooling, which naturally has them gravitate towards fellow Ivy-bound self-described "compassionate intellectuals" of all colors. Of course, this doesn't account for all Asians as circumstances may be different for each person, but on the whole, those who come from families which value schooling (not necessarily education.. ZING!) seem to fall into this category.

As far as how to reach out, I'd say take the same approach as you would any other Kool Aid-addled collegiate moron.

I live in South Korea and am married to a hot Korean and I think the above post is on the right track.

[Athan]

Well I guess I can attempt to shed some light on this.

I'm of Japanese descent but that hasn't had much of an effect on my political orientation. I suppose my parents instilled a sort of individualist spirit in me by allowing me to explore my interests freely. They've always told me that they didn't care what I did with my life as long as I ended up happy. I realize now that this is pretty atypical of first generation Japanese parents, so I guess I won the parental lottery.

Although the first half of my life I had grown up without encountering too many other Asian families, I've noticed later on in life that a lot of them tend to end up on the statist side of the spectrum. Not so much the militant Chinese-style execution bus brand of statism, but the help everyone with other people's money kind that is so popular here.

I've actually thought about this and my conclusion is that it must be due to the fact that a lot of the people they come to associate most with are what I'd consider the "college liberal" crowd. As to why this may be, I'd say it is due to the typically heavy Asian parental emphasis on schooling, which naturally has them gravitate towards fellow Ivy-bound self-described "compassionate intellectuals" of all colors. Of course, this doesn't account for all Asians as circumstances may be different for each person, but on the whole, those who come from families which value schooling (not necessarily education.. ZING!) seem to fall into this category.

As far as how to reach out, I'd say take the same approach as you would any other Kool Aid-addled collegiate moron.

Looks like we are going to have to draft you and turn your ass into a popular statesmen then that attracts national attention and fame. Kind of like Adam Kokesh.


Is this thread a joke? We should be reaching out to every and anyone.

Yes, however, history effects how parents raise their kids and what ideas are taught . With certain minorities groups, they have different cultural norms and ideas that believe it or not does make getting the freedom message to them a lot more difficult. You can see how America kept true to its Republic foundation for much longer while Mexico's Republic fell almost immediately under Santa Anna.

America had independence of government so long that when it did rear its head there was a fight.

Mexico had the Spanish Government and Catholic Church all up on the populations' butt hole so long that authority itself was never questioned. Just who was running their lives. This is why Texas was the only Mexican State to willfully secede on its own.

[Annihilia]

Looks like we are going to have to draft you and turn your ass into a popular statesmen then that attracts national attention and fame. Kind of like Adam Kokesh.

Haha, it's not the first time somebody has suggested that. Maybe when I get around to moving to NH :D

[He Who Pawns]

Haha, it's not the first time somebody has suggested that. Maybe when I get around to moving to NH :D

If you are wise, my friend, you will move to Nevada. NH is a lost cause.

[Annihilia]

If you are wise, my friend, you will move to Nevada. NH is a lost cause.

Nah, I'll let you hold down the fort there. I realize that there are advantages to Nevada, but I'm pretty much convinced that I would not be comfortable outside the North East. Everyone I know is concentrated up in the area and I'd like to be able to be within driving distance of family.

If you want to see a real lost cause, look no further than my home state of NJ!

[gls]

Nah, I'll let you hold down the fort there. I realize that there are advantages to Nevada, but I'm pretty much convinced that I would not be comfortable outside the North East. Everyone I know is concentrated up in the area and I'd like to be able to be within driving distance of family.

If you want to see a real lost cause, look no further than my home state of NJ!

Are you going to Porc Fest? This will be my first year; it should be a great time.

[Annihilia]

Are you going to Porc Fest? This will be my first year; it should be a great time.

I wish!

PorcFest is one of those events I really need to attend at least once before making the move. I'm afraid life will be pretty hectic around that time though.

[ronpaulhawaii]

I have always had GREAT luck with the Asian community. Many moved here to get away from the collectivism of their homelands and are generally small business owners who understand the socio-economic value of liberty. Most are disgusted with the bait and switch they suffer under, moving the the supposed "land of the free" and discovering it is a home of tyrants. IOW, prime for the message and almost always willing to give my lit drops a place front and center on my canvassing ventures

GO GET EM!!!

[He Who Pawns]

Annihilia, I will keep some nice land beside Lake Mead open for you, when you east coast folks finally pack up the Uhauls and head for real freedom!

[JamesButabi]

Are you going to Porc Fest? This will be my first year; it should be a great time.

Will be my first year as well :)

[Annihilia]

Annihilia, I will keep some nice land beside Lake Mead open for you, when you east coast folks finally pack up the Uhauls and head for real freedom!

Haha, thanks, I'll keep that in mind if MA ever decides to absorb the rest of New England in its sphere of influence.

[ChaosControl]

You mean, it hasn't yet?