Chinese immigration to the United States in the 19th century was predominantly male. White racism led to the passage of Exclusion Laws, which severely restricted the immigration of the wives of the earlier migrants. This, coupled with miscegenation laws, has seriously affected the demographics of Chinese Americans. The underrepresentation of Chinese, and of Chinese elderly in particular, has hindered their ability to obtain their share of government attention. The underrepresentation of Chinese elderly is further complicated by the myth that Asian Americans have no social problems and that the Chinese elderly are cared for exclusively by their families. Recent studies have confirmed a sense of powerlessness or helplessness among the Asian American elderly. The Chinese elderly, suffering from such learned helplessness, have been assumed to exhibit passivity as a cultural trait. However, an analysis of the historical situation of Chinese immigrants shows that this may be an induced trait which is the product of American society. Fortunately, there is evidence that directive therapy can reverse the deficits produced by learned helplessness. (Author/RLV)