An outsider perspective: Are South Asians really Asian?

BY AMBER CHIH

As an East Asian who lives where a diverse South Asian community thrives, I’ve noticed a troubling separation between East Asians and South Asians. Growing up, I’ve witnessed the subtle yet persistent prejudices, most of them brought up in casual conversation, that many in my community harbor against our South Asian neighbors. Whether it's colorism or cultural differences, there’s an unspoken tension that reflects deeper biases towards South Asians, often stemming from a limited understanding of what it means to be “Asian.”

Unfortunately, this exclusionary mindset leads many to question whether South Asians even belong in the AAPI community - despite the fact that, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), AAPI refers to "approximately 50 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages, with connections to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries."

But as Krystal Jagoo states in her article, “South Asians Are Asians, Too”, while some may feel well represented by the AAPI umbrella term, that may not be the case for all members of South Asian communities.

One of the main reasons for this lack of inclusion, specifically within East Asian communities, may be colorism, a form of prejudice based on skin tone, which is extremely prevalent in many Asian cultures, including my own. Lighter skin has historically been valued in East Asian communities, while darker skin is often viewed as less desirable. It’s a shared experience to have a distant relative comment on “how dark you’ve gotten” over the summer, which later manifests as a fear of becoming tan; the recurring beauty standard results in almost every East Asian beauty store selling skin whitening products.

This bias against darker skin tones, which initially only affected those within East Asian communities, has seeped into the way East Asians perceive South Asians, whose skin tones are often darker.

But we must understand that these superficial differences do not define our worth or our shared identity as Asians. By embracing diversity in skin tones and cultures, we can dismantle harmful biases and celebrate the full spectrum of beauty and richness that the AAPI community encompasses.

Cultural differences also play a role in this division. The South Asian experience in the U.S. is shaped by unique traditions, languages, and values that may seem foreign to those of us from East Asian backgrounds. However, these differences should be viewed as opportunities for learning, not reasons for exclusion. By appreciating and respecting the cultural nuances of South Asian communities, we can break down the barriers that separate us. After all, the AAPI identity is not monolithic: it’s a tapestry of diverse histories that all deserve both recognition and respect. And especially during a time where the AAPI community as a whole is fighting hate and prejudice from outside, it is crucial that we unite as one rather than perpetuate hatred towards one another. 

The exclusion of South Asians from the AAPI identity not only reinforces harmful stereotypes but also erases the rich contributions of South Asians to both Asian and American culture. We must challenge these patterns of erasure and actively work to include South Asians in every conversation about what it means to be Asian in America.

East Asian or not, it’s time for us to confront and dismantle the prejudices that lead to exclusion as the first steps to a long journey towards an equitable future. In this case, whether it's through addressing colorism, celebrating cultural differences, or advocating for more inclusive representation, we all have a role to play in creating a more united and supportive AAPI community. By recognizing our shared struggles and celebrating our unique identities, we can build a future where everyone is seen, valued, and included.