Ching agrees.

"Whether it sprung out of American misperceptions, it is its own free-standing identity now," she says.

Democratic Structure

AAA leaders say they seek to acknowledge the diversity among Asian-American opinion by including a broad range of outlooks in discussing political issues.

AAA cannot be a monolith, Jung says. There will always be debate over political stances within the Asian-American community, she says.

But AAA must still take an active political role, she says, even if it doesn't represent every single Asian-American student.

"It is a fact that Asian Americans as a whole don't participate politically. It's an important priority for AAA not to shirk from addressing political issues," she says. "Of course there will be disagreement, but we need to be careful not to continue that passive stance. I don't think disagreement should be a reason not to deal with political issues."

AAA leaders say their way of choosing the organization's political stances takes into account the broad range of opinion among Asian-Americans.

Ching characterizes the organization as "extremely open."

AAA's political stances are determined by the steering committee, comprised of elected and appointed officials. The meetings are open to the public, Ching says.

"AAA definitely wants people to come," says Sheila N. Swaroop '97, AAA's representative to the Minority Students Alliance and the social and cultural chair of SAA. "They're totally open to you coming and sharing your perspective. If you want your views represented, come to meetings."

But critics of AA complain that the organization should be more democratic and attempt to make sure that it is actively representing the range of Asian-American opinions.

Despite the leaders efforts at inclusion, and although some events draw large numbers, most of the general membership does not regularly attend planning meetings.

Lee says the small gatherings of students that decide AAA's stances cannot speak for all Asian-Americans, as the organization's name claims.

When AAA takes a stand, "it's logical to infer that all Asians feel that way," Lee says. AAA is "using the name, without having earned that right."