The Asian Student Union and other University organizations presented "Reaching the Bamboo Ceiling," a speech by Franklin Odo, Smithsonian curator in cultural history, in the Rotunda Dome Room last night.
The speech was the first event in APAutumn, a week-long series of seminars that will address issues relevant to the APA community at the University. Odo described the concept of a "bamboo ceiling" as relatively new in society, noting that until the 1970s, the ceiling was not visible.
Odo noted that the Asian-American population has grown steeply in the United States since 1865; today over 14 million Asian Americans reside in the U.S., and they have become a significant part of American society.
Despite the growth of the Asian-American population, opportunities for this group have been limited.
"Among all racial groups, Asian-American has the worst chance to be advanced to the top managerial or executive positions," Odo said.
He commented, however, that "the bamboo ceiling can be pierced," as individuals can break through it because of their talent and skill.
"I think that the good news is [that the] bamboo ceiling is not on an individual basis, therefore it is not something that will hold many of you back." Odo said.
Asian Student Union President Patrick Lee said before Odo's address that the University seems to take the APA community for granted and does not provide the necessary means to drive the community.
Lee said there is "lack of resources, representatives, responsibilities and respect for the APA community," adding that while APA students comprise 14 percent of the student body, there are only two APA professors in the College. He said the APA community has remained silent about these issues.
Audience members had the opportunity to ask Odo questions following the speech.
One audience member asked Odo about the underlying cause of the belief that the cultural organizations at the University are self-segregating.
Odo noted that "each cultural group has [its] right to express [its] culture [and] has the right to get together and receive funding from the school."
"Dr. Odo spoke [about] many issues relevant to [the] APA community on Grounds, and gave suggestions the actions we can take," she said.
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