A recent survey conducted by the nonprofit Asian American Foundation revealed that the majority of Americans struggle to name a famous Asian American. The most common response besides “I can’t think of one” was actor Jackie Chan, who is not American. Over 6,200 people above the age of 16 across the U.S. were surveyed, with 52% saying they couldn’t think of any famous Asian American. Nine percent named Chan, 5% named Bruce Lee who died in 1973, and only 2% named Vice President Kamala Harris who is of Asian descent. While Asian Americans made up nearly 26% of respondents, the lack of awareness of famous Asian Americans was evident across all racial groups.
This year’s findings marked a change from last year, with 26% of respondents answering “I don’t know” when asked the same question. Researchers attributed this jump to the introduction of the option “none come to mind.” Sruthi Chandrasekaran, TAAF’s director of data and research, emphasized the ongoing invisibility of Asian American communities highlighted by the survey results. The confusion between Asian nationals and Asian Americans was also noted, with few respondents naming women when asked to identify famous Asian Americans. TAAF’s CEO Norman Chen pointed out that the continuous naming of Jackie Chan as the top answer for four years in a row reflects the long history of invisibility of Asian Americans in American society.
The survey results underscore the need for increased visibility and representation of Asian Americans in mainstream media and popular culture. The lack of awareness of famous Asian Americans reflects a larger issue of systemic invisibility that has persisted for centuries. TAAF aims to challenge and change this narrative by highlighting the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans across various fields. As the question remains about who will be the first person to replace Jackie Chan as the most well-known Asian American, Chen raises the important question of when this shift will occur and emphasizes the importance of continuing efforts to amplify the voices and stories of Asian Americans.
Efforts to increase awareness and recognition of famous Asian Americans are crucial in combating stereotypes and biases that contribute to the ongoing invisibility of Asian American communities. By highlighting the diverse achievements and talents of Asian Americans, organizations like TAAF hope to challenge existing perceptions and provide a more accurate portrayal of the community. The survey findings serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that Asian Americans are seen, heard, and represented in all aspects of American society. Despite the challenges and barriers that exist, the push for greater visibility and representation remains a priority for those advocating for change within the Asian American community.
