The term "bamboo ceiling" refers to the barriers that hinder the career advancement of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the workplace, particularly in leadership positions. This glass ceiling-like phenomenon is often attributed to stereotyping and discrimination against Asian and Pacific Islander cultural norms, values, accents and communication styles. The metaphor "bamboo ceiling" also alludes to the stereotype that Asians are passive and subservient, thereby hindering their ability to assert themselves in the workplace.
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