The Need for Representation
By Sher Ali
San Jose , CA
If the present is any guide one sees a massive gap in leadership and representation for Pakistani-Americans in the state capitol in the not too distant future. Indeed, the future holds many intangibles for the Pakistani Americans in terms of legislation and basic defense of future liberties as citizens of this country.
As American citizens we have failed as a community to genuinely exercise our powerful base of talented individuals to make an impact on state legislation. The disconcerting trend is all too obvious in Sacramento where almost every minority has some sort of major office or push in the state governance, except us.
Pakistani-Americans lack a willing group of people dedicated to impacting and creating bills that will promote Pakistani-American interests. Citizen-based interest groups are defined as groups that are not affiliated by occupational or professional standing. Such groups are generally fighting for basic democratic liberties and representation in governance. For instance, the much maligned Patriot Act which is relative to national policy making would serve as an example of a civil liberty issue. Interest groups can provide a voice for the maligned and genuinely push forth legislation in a society.
In general, public interest groups take the initiative to go directly to the law-makers in California. Citizen-based interests groups generally have had lesser resources than the issue-based ones. For this reason, they try to directly connect with the lawmakers to push laws in the senate. This direct involvement not only creates a voice amongst the lawmakers and people in power but also promotes awareness amongst the general public about the issues. Pakistanis and Muslims have yet to have an impact on this front. Though we have seen efforts being made in New York to make Eid a school holiday on a larger scale, there has yet to be a more persistent effort to push for laws.
When a community is able to unite on a single organized platform a breeding ground for leaders is developed. For example, Asian Pacific Islanders had no legislators from 1981-1992. Today there are over 11 state legislators in Sacramento representing and leading these communities. Their involvement in politics has not only affected the political scene in California in a big way but has also provided a voice to these communities. It was a concerted effort and consistent backing that saw certain members of the Asian-Pacific Islander community lead their cause. Currently, 11 state senators play an active role in distributing state funds for schools in their districts. This is an issue that affects many parents who have children in public school systems.
If the Pakistani-Americans want to be heard, the community will have to start believing that they can have an impact on governance. Remember, South Asians make up the second largest group amongst Muslims; this number will grow as the first and second generation gets firmly entrenched in the country. If we fail to forge unity in the community and make its presence felt the voice of the Pakistani Americans will not be heard and could eventually be silenced.
