Self-Interest

RealClearWorld links to an article at the SupChina website which details a split in the Chinese-American community. The non-Chinese author, John Pomfret, writes that recent arrivals from mainland China are politically conservative and voting Republican whereas long-time residents and those from Taiwan are more likely to align with Democrats and liberals.

Opposition to affirmative action is the motivating issue. Pomfret describes the writings of a prominent Chinese-American blogger as claiming:

While affirmative action made sense “in the last century” to right historic discrimination against minorities, its use in today’s America as a way “to dole out racial quotas” marked a distortion of its original purpose.

The Pomfret article ties in nicely with something I wrote two days ago, reflecting on another article about people sorting themselves politically into like-minded communities. Of its author, I wrote:

He also assumes or hopes minorities will vote progressive forever more. Hispanics and Asians may do nothing of the sort, many don't now.

Once again, demonstrating the truth of an old Washington adage: Where you stand depends on where you sit. Translation: your stand on issues generally is determined by what will benefit you and those you care about. A truism that is neither new nor controversial.