Survey: Asian American millennials see healthcare, education, and climate change as top three American issues

According to a new survey by GenForward / The Washington Post, Asian American millennials do not think racism is a top-three issue facing America today.

14 percent of whites and 15 percent of Asian Americans see racism as a top issue, compared to 35 percent for blacks, and 27 percent for Latinos.

Some Fil-Am millennials in the Bay Area told BA that while they understand the results of the survey, they were still surprised.

“I think the reason why it’s not a pressing issue for most millennials is it doesn’t affect them personally,” said Alex de Leon from Barangay Dance SF.

“To have it not be a top three priority, while yes, those are extreme issues that we need to face as well especially as people of color, I think it should be number one,” said SFSU student Rocky Garcia.

The survey was conducted between June 23 through July 10.

Some Fil-Ams believe the poll results might be different today, in light of recent racially charged issues.

“Right now I think racism is more of a pressing matter because of what’s happened in Charlottesville,” said Kristopher Cruz.

According to the survey, the top three concerns for Asian Americans were health care, education, and climate change.

“I believe all of these issues are very important so it’s very hard for me to rank them from importance,” said De Leon.

“It’s subjective. It’s personal for everyone what issues are more important to them regarding their own personal situation, but it’s crazy to me that it’s not one of the issues,” said Garcia.

Police brutality ranked as a top issue, 27 percent for blacks and 13 percent for Latinos, as compared to seven percent for Asians and three percent for whites.

Health care was a top concern found among all groups.