How the hyphen shifts the identity's emphasis
Citation:
Associated Press stylebook 2019: https://www.apstylebook.com/race-related-coverage
Slider text:
Slide one:
Title: "Asian American" versus "Asian-American." Note: second version of "Asian-American is hyphenated; first isn't.
Slide two:
Title: What is a hyphen?
A hyphen is "-" and is typically seen in verb:noun relationships. Basically, the first word modifies the second word. So the words before the noun modify the noun itself. Hyphens are not used to join adverb:noun phrases. Examples: user-generated, pet-friendly, closely related (unhyphenated).
Slide three:
Title: Asian American (unhyphenated)
The unhyphenated version of "Asian American" emphasizes neither the "Asian" nor "American" identity, so both identities are equally emphasized in this style choice.
Slide four:
Title: "Asian American" (hyphenated)
With the hyphen, "Asian" is modifying "American," so "Asian" would be more prominently emphasized over "American."
Slide five:
Title: Which do you prefer?
Which style choice feels more affirming to you?