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Many Korean Americans were negatively affected in the 1992 race riots in Los Angeles. The rebuilding of their neighborhoods destroyed in the riots generated new political leadership including generational change & a rise in leaders with ties to mainstream political activities. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles community has been divided over the use of political resources, since there are both Democrats & Republicans within it. The Democrats side with other minorities for civil rights, while Republicans support the demise of the liberal welfare state & favor entrepreneurship. A controversy over liquor store licenses illustrates the partisan & racial tensions in Los Angeles. Future political mobilization depends on the handling of these & generational tensions. M. Pflum

Discusses the impact of the 1992 Los Angeles, CA, riots on local politics & culture, with a particular focus on the Korean-American community. Although racial divisions in the US have been traditionally conceived in terms of a black/white dichotomy, it is argued that the participation of Korean Americans & Latinos in the Los Angeles riots signaled a new era of race relations based on a multiplicity of racial identities & groups. Following a review of racial politics in Los Angeles over the past 3 decades, it is suggested that post-1992 politics demonstrate an increased interest in racial inclusion among all racial groups. The conservative Establishment Coalition & liberal Progressive Coalition have fought for the support of the Korean-American community, & this battle has led to increased conflict & division in the Korean-American community. The Establishment Coalition has emphasized the middle-class nature of the Korean-American community & stressed probusiness policies, while the Progressive Coalition has focused on moral issues & the historical liberal support of minority groups such as Korean Americans. 45 References. T. Sevier

Probationary Americans examines contemporary immigration rules and how they affect the make-up of immigrant communities. The authors' key argument is that immigration policies place race and class as important criteria for gaining entry to the United States, and in doing so, alter the makeup of America's immigrant communities.

A case study of the political participation of Korean Americans in Los Angeles explores how new multiracial complexities challenge the liberal coalition model. It is argued that liberal assumptions of race, power, & coalition building are based on realities of another generation that are no longer relevant. The diverse interests of Korean Americans are examined, noting that some are in direct opposition to those of African Americans, who have traditionally been the most important partners in urban liberal coalitions. In addition, the wide range of class backgrounds & political perspectives among Korean immigrants prevents them from fitting into any existing political coalition. An overview of the post-1965 history of Korean immigration highlights the impact of the 1992 civil unrest in which a great many Korean-owned stores were destroyed. The crisis sharpened political divisions & changed the nature of Korean political participation. Although many Korean Americans backed liberal multiracial coalitions, others, especially entrepreneurs, joined forces with political conservatives. Prospects for the future are discussed. 63 References. J. Lindroth

A case study of the political participation of Korean Americans in Los Angeles explores how new multiracial complexities challenge the liberal coalition model. It is argued that liberal assumptions of race, power, & coalition building are based on realities of another generation that are no longer relevant. The diverse interests of Korean Americans are examined, noting that some are in direct opposition to those of African Americans, who have traditionally been the most important partners in urban liberal coalitions. In addition, the wide range of class backgrounds & political perspectives among Korean immigrants prevents them from fitting into any existing political coalition. An overview of the post-1965 history of Korean immigration highlights the impact of the 1992 civil unrest in which a great many Korean-owned stores were destroyed. The crisis sharpened political divisions & changed the nature of Korean political participation. Although many Korean Americans backed liberal multiracial coalitions, others, especially entrepreneurs, joined forces with political conservatives. Prospects for the future are discussed. 63 References. J. Lindroth