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To celebrate the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, Ningin asked members of the Asian American political community to tell us what this historic event means to each of them. New York City Councilman John Liu returned from the Inauguration Ceremony and was kind enough to talk to Maimounah Masudi and David Hou from Ningin.

Councilman Liu moved to the United States from Taiwan at the age of five. His first name was changed from Chun to John, in honor of John F. Kennedy. In keeping with the Kennedy inspiration, his brothers became Robert and Edward. His father became Joseph. Councilman Liu was elected in 2001. He currently serves on the New York City Council, representing District 20 consisting of northeast Queens (Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Mitchell Linden, Murray Hill, Holly, Kissena Park, Harding Heights, Auburndale, part of Whitestone). Councilman Liu was re-elected in 2003 and in 2005. He is the first and only Asian American to be elected in New York City. (Yes, really! Go John!)

Mai: When and why did you decide on a political career?
Becoming an elected official was a natural extension of my community activism as a student and civic leader. As an executive officer of the Student Association of Binghamton University, I helped bring together the various campus groups to more effectively fight for a common agenda. Similarly, as the President of the North Flushing Civic Association and Vice President of the Queens Civic Congress, I worked hard to ensure that the needs of our community were addressed, regardless of race or ethnicity. One of the catalysts for my decision were the unfortunate remarks of our former Councilwoman Julia Harrison, who told a New York Times reporter in March 1996 that her Asian constituents were “criminal smugglers, rude merchants and illegal aliens” who had come to “colonize” Flushing. I stepped up to the plate because I strongly believe it is important for our elected officials to represent a less divisive and more inclusive vision for our city and nation.

Mai: How did you become a Councilman of New York City and what do the duties of a councilman entail?
There are 51 Council Members, each representing districts with over 150,000 residents, who advocate on issues of concern to the residents and businesses in their districts. Any citizen can become an elected Member of the New York City Council by gathering signatures on a ballot petition and obtaining the necessary votes to win in the September primary and November general elections. Once elected, a Council Member has the power to introduce legislation, negotiate with the Mayor on the City’s annual budget, oversee agency operations and make land use decisions that affect over eight million residents.

Mai: New York City has a significant Asian population, but there aren’t many Asian Americans in local official positions. What obstacles have you faced in your political career?
There are many obstacles when it comes to political participation for people of color, including Asian Americans. One barrier is the perception—even within our community—that only certain types of people can provide political leadership in our country. With the historic election of President Barack Obama, this attitude is finally giving way to a more hopeful vision where every child in America is expected to grow to their full potential—and even become President of the United States.

David: You had the honor of attending the Inauguration. Now that you’ve returned from D.C., can you share with us a little of your experience at such a historical event?
I feel privileged to have been so close to the moment. Even with a million to two million people, as the new president spoke you could hear a pin drop. The expectations on President Obama are tremendous, and although no one could ever fully meet those expectations, a rising tide most certainly lifts all ships.

David: I attended the Inauguration Watch Celebration at the Flushing Town Hall. I learned Flushing residents are a very diverse group of ethnicities. Everyone together under the same roof was an inspiring act of community spirit. What can people do in their own local communities with their renewed civic spirit?
Flushing is a microcosm of where America is going. If we stand together as one people, we can together fulfill so many promises for people now and for future generations to come.

David: President Obama has made it clear that America has many challenges ahead of it. What challenges do you see for the Asian American community over the next four years?
Asian-Americans need to more effectively coordinate our growing political influence—whether it is through the ballot box or through role models in the media, business, and the arts—to ensure that the needs of our community are adequately prioritized and addressed by our society and government institutions. The 2010 Census and redistricting process are one of many opportunities in the next four years where we can actively participate and shape the future of our country.

Mai: What activities are you involved with outside of politics?
Raising my son Joey with my wife Jenny.

Mia: What will be the next step that you plan to take in your political career?
I am currently running for New York City Public Advocate, a citywide office that will provide me with an even greater opportunity to hold our government more accountable and push for the reforms we so desperately need if New York City is to remain the Capital of the World.

You can find out more about Councilman John Liu at his website: www.liunewyork.com


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TiffanieJLee - 01/25/09 9:22 am

Really good point, Minty. Adopting Western names is obviously rife with sociological meanings, and it can very easily be spun into a positive or a negative light. My opinion on that: many families came here seeking the American Dream—well, maybe that goes without saying—and that involves the belief that assimilation is key. It was easier to navigate as a Bobby, an Eddie, a Shelly and a Mary because it was a way of of being accepted as part of the status quo (or at least provide the illusion of it), and it’s a way of not getting punked, bullied or labeled “other.”

In many ways, things have both changed a lot and stayed the same. Nowadays, it’s not so much a matter of assimilation (conforming to a cultural/social norm) than it is about intermingling, whether it means retaining various cultural identities or even simply standing out as an individual. I think we’re moving into a different social climate, one in which people don’t feel the need and pressure to change their names. However, that’s not to say everyone in the country is on the same page, and that’s not to say that changing your name is good or bad (same for keeping your real name). Of course, there are people out there who may not like going by birth names from other cultures, but there are also people who embrace them, and that’s not something you could’ve called a norm in decades past.

You can also look at it the other way: why do so many HK-er’s and Taiwanese people adopt Western names when they don’t even live in the West? Similarly, a lot of Taiwanese people adopt Japanese names for themselves, as well. A lot these people think it’s cosmopolitan to adopt an English name, but seriously, you don’t have to read very far to extract the post-colonial subtext. Then again, it’s not like everyone in Asia who is walking around with a Western moniker is guilty of “enslaving” themselves or rejecting their cultures—not at all, but the subtext is all there should you choose to read into it.

More than ever, what I love about growing up in this generation is that we are more open to having an honest and open dialogue about these issues. For the most part, I think we’re all sick of the one-dimensional, “Well you’re this/you’re not that because you don’t do this/don’t do that” sort of perspective. We are all many things at once and can hardly be boxed within any one label.

So, I guess I pretty much ran that off track… but I mean, even when someone feels the need to change one’s name, it doesn’t necessarily mean he/she has suddenly betrayed their cultural identity. Likewise, just because someone retains a “foreign” name doesn’t mean they’re resisting American culture. Not trying to glaze over some obvious issues, though, like people who really do reject their cultural heritages. In Liu’s case, I don’t think that applies… I mean, he’s very much invested in making the AA voice more prominent in politics.

I agree to that it doesn’t apply in Councilman Liu’s case. I myself do not have an Anglo name and I have always loved it. I remember when my mom said that one of my kindergarten teachers said to her, “oh she won’t be able to spell THAT”. My mom said, “oh really”? And my mom had me come and spell my name on a piece of paper right in front of the teacher. I guess that was the first day of school. It shows you how cruel and ignorant many people are in this world. I’m glad that over the years I have received positive remarks about my name.

I never thought of changing my name due to any oppression that I have faced over the years out of shame or fear. If I ever did it for those reasons, I wouldn’t be real to myself.


Hoc - 01/25/09 5:46 am

Having met John many times and knowing a lot of the same people, I can safely say he is a good man and a genuine person.

It’s always heart warming when you do come across a down to earth politician. I had many experiences meeting all kinds of politicians during internships and being involved in politics on a local level in my community. Until I met them, I had a misconception that they were ALL full of it. But I’m happy that most of them proved me wrong.


A lot of Asians do one of two things, change their name legally to something “American” or have a second, American name. The need and share number of Asians that have done this suggest very strongly to me that it isn’t about acclimation, but assimilation.

I suppose this was a necessary evil in the past, but now we have a whole community of Johns, Davids, and Roberts that was once Chungs, Chins, and Mins.


Really good point, Minty. Adopting Western names is obviously rife with sociological meanings, and it can very easily be spun into a positive or a negative light. My opinion on that: many families came here seeking the American Dream—well, maybe that goes without saying—and that involves the belief that assimilation is key. It was easier to navigate as a Bobby, an Eddie, a Shelly and a Mary because it was a way of of being accepted as part of the status quo (or at least provide the illusion of it), and it’s a way of not getting punked, bullied or labeled “other.”

In many ways, things have both changed a lot and stayed the same. Nowadays, it’s not so much a matter of assimilation (conforming to a cultural/social norm) than it is about intermingling, whether it means retaining various cultural identities or even simply standing out as an individual. I think we’re moving into a different social climate, one in which people don’t feel the need and pressure to change their names. However, that’s not to say everyone in the country is on the same page, and that’s not to say that changing your name is good or bad (same for keeping your real name). Of course, there are people out there who may not like going by birth names from other cultures, but there are also people who embrace them, and that’s not something you could’ve called a norm in decades past.

You can also look at it the other way: why do so many HK-er’s and Taiwanese people adopt Western names when they don’t even live in the West? Similarly, a lot of Taiwanese people adopt Japanese names for themselves, as well. A lot these people think it’s cosmopolitan to adopt an English name, but seriously, you don’t have to read very far to extract the post-colonial subtext. Then again, it’s not like everyone in Asia who is walking around with a Western moniker is guilty of “enslaving” themselves or rejecting their cultures—not at all, but the subtext is all there should you choose to read into it.

More than ever, what I love about growing up in this generation is that we are more open to having an honest and open dialogue about these issues. For the most part, I think we’re all sick of the one-dimensional, “Well you’re this/you’re not that because you don’t do this/don’t do that” sort of perspective. We are all many things at once and can hardly be boxed within any one label.

So, I guess I pretty much ran that off track… but I mean, even when someone feels the need to change one’s name, it doesn’t necessarily mean he/she has suddenly betrayed their cultural identity. Likewise, just because someone retains a “foreign” name doesn’t mean they’re resisting American culture. Not trying to glaze over some obvious issues, though, like people who really do reject their cultural heritages. In Liu’s case, I don’t think that applies… I mean, he’s very much invested in making the AA voice more prominent in politics.


Hmmmmm, interesting debate. I personally think there’s a deeper underlying issue—why the need to feel like you have to change your name in the first place.


Carlye - 01/25/09 6:47 am

No one else thinks that changing your family’s name to match the Kennedys is a bit weird?

I don’t think it’s weird; I mean, it’s not like they actually took on the surname of Kennedy. Many immigrants change their first names—or at least adopt Western names—when they settle in the states, anyhow.

I think his family’s choice to adopt Kennedy-inspired names reflects their dedication to public service. If anything, it’s quirky. And Kennedy’s a good inspiration… I’d be inclined to think it was strange if they named themselves after the Bushes. (!)


No one else thinks that changing your family’s name to match the Kennedys is a bit weird?


How did you guys get an interview with him? :O He seems so high up.


Having met John many times and knowing a lot of the same people, I can safely say he is a good man and a genuine person.


Inspiring interview, thanks Mai and David!


You did such a great job David! Thank you so much guys!


I wish I could have gone to the inauguration. Is he going to serve on Obama’s staff?


First and only. <3


Wow so him and his dad are in office.


Kennedy was a good president. ^^ haha I wasn’t even born then!


Great interview Mai and David. smile



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