This booklet is a detailed primer on the Asian American experience in the United States covering history, family and acculturation, education, culture and the arts, economics, discrimination and violence, and politics. An introduction reviews some basic demographics and looks at racial issues in light of the riots in Los Angeles (California) in 1992. A chapter on history covers the experience of Asian Americans in the United States since the arrival of Asians in prehistoric times. A chapter on family and acculturation notes that a common characteristic of Asian Americans, whatever their heritage or land of origin, is an emphasis on the family. A chapter on education notes the accomplishments of many Asian Americans, treats problems of quotas, and looks closely at Asian American enrollment in higher education. A look at culture and the arts emphasizes the cultural richness and diversity among Asian Americans and obstacles they face in the theatrical arts. A chapter on economics argues that the economic profile of Asian Americans is far more complex than the statistics indicate. A discussion of discrimination and violence suggests that despite an image among other Americans of freedom from racial bigotry, many Asian Americans are confronted by prejudice in subtle and overt forms. A chapter on politics examines the reasons for relatively low levels of political participation. Contains 3 bar graphs, 5 tables, and 42 references. (JB)