The Treatment of Asian Americans in U.S. History Textbooks Published 1994-1996.

This study analyzes the treatment of Asian Americans in a group of selected high school U.S. history textbooks published between 1994 and 1996. Using a content analysis technique, nine of the textbooks most widely used in Hawaii were evaluated in terms of Asian groups represented, events and personalities identified, and multicultural concepts reflected. Textual references to Asian Americans ranged from .56% to 2.1%, while visual references ranged from 1.1% to 3%. The Japanese and Chinese were the most frequently mentioned groups in eight of the nine texts, accounting for 60% to 85% of the references. Asian Americans were depicted as passive rather than active agents in all the texts. And while every text cited how industrious Asian Americans have successfully assimilated into the mainstream culture (the model minority culture), none singled out their recent efforts to organize for greater visibility and voice through such groups as the Asian American Political Alliance and the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans. Findings revealed variations among textbooks in the thoroughness and specificity of their treatment of Asian Americans. The paper suggests textbook improvements concerning coverage of the Filipino, Korean, and Asian Indian American groups; in-depth analyses of historical events and contemporary issues relating to all Asian Americans; and primary accounts that represent the insider's perspective. Contains a list of history textbooks examined, 35 references, and 7 tables of data. (BT)