Asian-American Heritage Month: an Opportunity to Reflect on Diversity, Discrimination, and Change
On the occasion of Asian-American Heritage Month and the increasing violence against the AAPI communities, we interviewed our volunteer Jessie Lee to talk about this momentum
Asian-American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the history and culture of the US. But it is also an opportunity to reflect on the struggles that these communities face in our country. Since the pandemic started, they have experienced a dramatic increase in violence. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that discrimination against AAPI communities goes way beyond the last year’s events and is rooted in historical discrimination and inequality.
Daniel Dae Kim, American actor, producer, and activist, testified before US Congress that when we consider the increasing violence that AAPI communities have been experiencing since 2020, we must also recognize that the “wealth disparity between the richest Asian-Americans and the poorest is the largest of any ethnic group in America.” In New York, Asian-Americans have a higher poverty rate than any other minority group. Even though some Asian Americans reach high achievements and average income, the rest experience poverty and economic insecurity at a higher level than other marginalized communities.
“This violence did not come out of nowhere. For us, it is not a surprise; it was just never important enough to talk about it,” said our volunteer, Jessie Lee. That is why “they always use the word invisible.” However, Asian Americans are not statistically insignificant, although they are classified as so. Jessie grew up in South Korea and moved to the US with her family at a young age. She identifies herself as a New Yorker. She has built her family and successfully created her career here.
The Western culture, especially US history, often monopolizes the international educational arena. Jessie explained that even in Korean schools and even at a higher education level, individuals learn very little about Asian and Asian Americans’ stories. “We focus more on world history and culture,” she said, whereas, for example, the Asian American cultural production is priceless. Little is also known about the Asian American communities’ diversity and the disparities among them.
In the US education curriculum, minimal space is dedicated to the AAPI history. Americans grow up “with the idea that we do not belong here and are an insignificant part of society,” Jessie said. Another common stereotype affixed to Asian Americans is that they make up a “Model Minority,” perceived as devoid of complaint, hard-working, and socio-economically secure.
In particular, “the stereotype around Asian women and elders plays a big role in them being the main target of the violence and bigotry,” explained Jessie. “Asian women and elders can be quiet and reluctant to raise their voice.” However, even “being quiet does not mean that they are weak or lack interest in justice,” Jessie said. Moreover, “they have families and friends who would advocate for them if they don’t do it themselves.” Now, finally, “younger generations recognize that their role in the AAPI communities is to represent those who may not raise their own voices.”
Something is therefore changing, and the latest episodes of violence might be a game-changer. On the one hand, according to Jessie, “we are getting stronger as a community […]. It is a collaborative moment, different AAPI communities are starting to collaborate. Each fraction of our community was used to limiting their work to their own business, but they are now getting out of their bubbles.” The latest acts of violence have fostered visibility around years of oppression and racial discrimination, an unfortunate spotlight that has encouraged many to listen up and act in the interest of allyship. Even “at a government level, there is more space for change,” Jessie said.
“Before the Atlanta shooting, I was watching the news. They were speaking about people of color being less likely to get tested for covid. There was no mention of the AAPI communities because we are not even considered part of the diversity category,” she explained. But now, “we have the chance of being seen. I hope this is an opportunity for us to think about what we are going to do next and how to raise more awareness.”
So, what can we do? “We have to make sure that there is more conversation and dialogue,” said Jessie. “We must educate each other, share experiences, and discuss diversity more inclusively.” For example, “I would love to see alliance among marginalized communities, we should really get into an honest conversation. Once you share your experiences of discrimination and marginalization, others will for sure find a connection.”
NWNY guarantees that our community works in this direction by promoting cross-cultural dialogue, addressing intergroup prejudice and tensions, and ensuring inclusion and respect. In our last Community Call about the recent events affecting the AAPI communities, immigrant women shared their experiences, opened a positive debate on the similarities and differences we face, created a space of solidarity among different communities, and opened a new horizon for change.
