Asian American Focus Group
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Asian American Focus Group
Date of focus group : December 15 , 2020 Facilitators : Carmen Garcia & Ada Pang Demographics of the group
• Gender : Male ( 1 ), Female ( 4 )
• Race / Ethnicity : Heritage came from Philippines ( 2 ), Taiwan ( 1 ), South Korea ( 1 ), China / Malaysia ( 1 )
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Summary : The Asian American Focus Group meeting conversation included five ( 5 ) Asian American residents ranging from 7-30 years of residency in Arlington and also included a wide range of professions . The participants shared that they have seen the growth of the Asian community in Arlington over the years . With that growth , they believe that the City of Arlington has demonstrated the outreach efforts to the overall diversification of this ethnic group but indicated there is room for improvement . And were appreciative of the City ’ s efforts to express their concerns on these improvements to the Unity Council and ultimately to the City Council . The participants encompassed a very diverse group of Asian communities to include Vietnamese and Chinese as dominant communities , followed by Filipinos , Cambodia , and Laos . The overall message was that the City of Arlington has embraced their communities while living in harmony , peace , and respect . They are residents who work hard and are family oriented . Their characteristics are that they are typically quiet and not vocal in voicing their opinions . Although racial problems were not at the forefront in Arlington , like in other cities , COVID 19 continues to build a cultural problem as identified as a “ China Virus ”. In summary , the Asian community residents are open minded with big hearts and welcoming hands . They believe that the City does not see them as foreigners . The neighborhoods are embracing as a whole and feel that Arlington is a great place to live and to grow their families and their businesses .
Quote Highlights
• Although racial problems here is not like other cities , but Covid 19 continues to build a cultural problem as it is called “ China ” virus . ( 182 P . 17 )
• Their experience has been people here are open minded , with big heart and welcome hands . They did not see us as foreigners . ( 289 page 28 )
• They love their friendly neighbors in the city as a whole , a nice place to live in Arlington . ( 252 P . 24 )
• Through cultural event to build stronger community ( 314 P . 30 )
• Pandemic challenges affect the small businesses like donut shop , beauty salon . ( 415 P . 40 )
• Provide more English as a second language classes for Asian American . ( 267 & 268 P . 26 )
Unity Council Report 102