UNFOLDING THE MODEL MINORITY: conversations with AAPI
with Karen Wong
“my dad was
CHASED OUT
of a gas station by by a man
shouting for him to
GO BACK TO CHINA.”
- AB
“Racism has always been a part of my life. I feel like it is just normalized now and something I just have to deal with. in middle school I was literally spat on for being asian and I remember telling my parents and them saying that’s just how it is sometimes since we don’t look “American” and “kids will be kids”. Throughout the years I’ve heard comments from “go back to where you came from we don’t want you here” and as of lately I’ve literally had people ask me if I was Chinese
because of the “Chinese virus”. You would think that as the years go on things would get better, but honestly I feel like racism is at an all time high and it doesn’t look like it will get better anytime soon. It’s crazy to see on social media of Asian elders getting beaten up for being ASIAN.” - MV
“IT’S SCARY TO THINK THAT YOU CAN’T EVEN GO TO THE GROCERY STORE WITHOUT HEARING A RACIAL SLUR / GETTING HARMED FOR SOMETHING YOU CAN’T HELP.”
“They say diversity but they mean assimilation.” -EL
Growing up as an Asian American in a predominantly white community, I honestly never wanted to think too much about the fact that I was Asian. I would try to blend in as much as possible and I was always told “you don’t even seem asian or you act so white” and I would take it as a compliment. Even now I see myself constantly trying to blend in and wondering about the stereotypes that go through people’s heads. In a room where there are no other Asians, I always find myself thinking that I am the odd one out in the back
of my mind or that somehow I might be treated differently. I find myself thinking about what life would be like if I was born white and would always be embarrassed to associate myself with “Asian” interests like kpop or anime. But constantly waiting until it is our turn to speak up or patiently waiting until “our movement” is happening is exactly what we have always done our entire lives and it is time to finally speak up.
THE
MODEL MINOR
MYT
ANDSILENCE ONSOCIAL MEDIACANB
EL RITY
TH
my experience growing up matured me so quickly. the blatant racist confrontations I had to face from kindergarten until middle school has left unconfident and filled with self-doubt. any achievement was discounted by the fact that I was “Asian” or that I was “supposed to be smart.” all of us have scars that will stay with us for a long time, especially if we were exposed to such negativity at a vulnerable age. we go at different paces, but I’m glad these issues are being brought to light. such a shame that there is a double standard for minority representation in the media, especially when it comes to Asians. the model minority myth and silence on social media can be harmful to any demographic.
NBE HARMFUL TOANY DEMOGRAPHIC.
AUTHOR’S NOTE These stories are only to show a glimpse of the Asian American/ Pacific Islander experience. These stories and comments are all to reflect on the wide range of emotions and views on racism that is currently happening in the attacks on AAPI and in their own lives. These experiences vary from person to person. This collection is to highlight the spectrum of our points of views. There is not a singluar narrative to the AAPI expereince. We are all people just trying to find out way through life. @KAREOART on Instagram
silence.