Focused on comparative ethnic studies and intersectionality, the author commences with a discussion about Barack Obama's historic inauguration and the Asian American literature classroom. This essay argues that courses, programs, and departments focused on ethnicity, race, gender, class, and sexuality remain important precisely because they continue to reflect the asymmetrical distribution of power by way of specific identity politics. Further, Asian American studies--which is critically attuned to "model minorities" and declarations of racelessness--provides a template upon which to deepen discussions of the "color line" and problem of "the colorblind" within the classroom. Lastly, as downsizing hits institutions across the country, the turn toward comparative ethnic studies is a possible solution to the impending crisis of budgetary proportions.