Nonetheless, once elected, Asian-Americans should be responsible not only to the constituency that elected them, but to the broader Asian-American community, even if it lies outside their districts' lines. Mink says that sensitivity to the interests of this broader constituency comes "naturally." Asian-Americans coming to Congress, she says, are automatically more understanding.

But understanding isn't the same as speaking out. Fitting in, not standing up, is what comes naturally, especially for politicians. And for Asian-Americans especially, fitting in just isn't good enough if it means ignoring broader responsibilities to the community. As Woo acknowledges, attending to one's dual responsibilities once in office might require more work and longer hours than other politicians need to spend.

By speaking out against discrimination and prejudice, Asian-American public figures can make sure that our country's efforts to make American number one are not cloaked in racist Japan-bashing language. They can also speak for those segments of the population left behind by the model minority myth.

Asian-Americans who force the public to address the diversity and unique problems of the Asian-Americans population are actually helping to dispel two stereotypes: one saying that we are all successful and another saying that we are all silent.

It's far easier to become mute and complacent, shying away from responsibilities to the broader ethnic community, the neglected populations of Asian-Americans in this country who are economically underprivileged and who do not have a shot at success because of language barriers and prejudice.

But if more Asian-American take the risk and run for office, even when winning is unlikely, it will begin to be easier for the voices of all Asian-Americans--no matter how different--to be heard. For both Asian-Americans and their elected officials, the responsibilities of leadership are simply greater.

For those who care passionately about public life and service, making a difference means that we must acknowledge our differences first. Asian-Americans are beginning to realize that the harder we try to ignore our problems as a community and strive to "assimilate," the more these goals will escape our grasp.

My hope that more Asian-Americans will get politically involved is not a call for the cultural balkanization of our country's politics. But political realities demand political responsibilities, and the reality in our country is that group discrimination and oppression continue to exist.