Ideological and Experiential Predictors of Asian Americans’ Attitudes Towards Black Americans

Abstract

Drawing on the theories of Kim’s racial triangulation and Allport’s intergroup contact, this study examined ideological and experiential predictors of Asian Americans’ interracial attitudes and solidarity with Black Americans. In a community sample of 249 Asian Americans, hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the ideological variables of internalized racism and model minority myth were associated with greater anti-Black attitudes. Internalized model minority myth of unrestricted mobility was also related to reduced intergroup solidarity. Conversely, the experiential variables of close and general contact with Black Americans were respectively related to greater pro-Black attitudes and intergroup solidarity. Additionally, higher quality of general contact buffered the negative association between internalized model minority myth and intergroup solidarity. The findings highlight the importance of deconstructing internalized racial beliefs rooted in White supremacy and cultivating quality intergroup contact between Black and Asian Americans. Implications for practice, community intervention, training, and research are discussed.