DIVERSIVITY What it Means to be a Minority in a Predominantly
CREDITS Our Mission: At Diversivity, we strive to create a more inclusive community that embraces diversity amongst different identities and cultures. We hope to do this by providing a safe platform for teens to share their perspectives, stories, and thoughts, while also advocating for solutions to issues relating to race relations, global events, identity, and more. Team Message: As members of Diversivity, we wanted our electronic magazine to be a safe space for people from a multitude of backgrounds to share their stories, opinions, and perspectives about a diverse range of issues. We believe that writing is a powerful tool that can help create a more inclusive and diverse world. Each month, starting in this issue, we honed in on a certain theme, opening up submissions to anyone who wanted to write about their experiences. This month’s theme, “what is it like to be a minority,� drew many responses and shined a light on many new topics. We believe it's important for every voice to be heard and we hope that our e-magazine can accurately convey the experiences of minorities in their respective communities.
Chief Writer: Katie MacDonald Writers: Siya Gupta Shivani Dave Rachel Daniels Chief Editor: Rhea Kaw Director of Graphic Design: Harshana Jawahar Graphic Designer: Megha Patel
CHANGE IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” The immortal words from Fannie Lou Hamer’s speech at the 1964 Democratic convention resonate with me deeply to this day. For the most part, I am a pretty positive person who refrains from harping on the negative. I’m always the one in my friend groups searching for the silver lining to put things into perspective. But there is only so much I can take before the facade I have used to mask my true day to day exhaustion as a black female in America begins to fray at the seams. I’m not writing this piece to drone on and on about the extensive discrimination that African American women face in society. We still struggle to receive equal pay, as we receive only 62 cents for every dollar our white, male counterparts earn, and we’re constantly told that our hairstyles are “unprofessional.” The issue I want to bring awareness to is maternal mortality and how it disproportionately affects black women. It may come as a surprise, but there are still many widely-used textbooks dispersed in the medical field which tell readers that Blacks “report higher pain intensity” or “feel less pain” than other races. The implications of this misinformation are far-reaching.
A recent survey revealed that a shocking 40 percent of first- and second-year medical students endorsed the belief that “black people’s skin is thicker than white people’s.” We can attribute the fact that African Americans are systematically undertreated for pain when compared to their white counterparts to this egregious notion that they feel less of it. I’ve thought about having kids one day. Raising a family of my own. But every time my mind begins to wander, the scenarios of my future life are tinged with fear. Fear that the doctors don’t take my please seriously, and I experience an extremely painful labor, or I die during childbirth and leave my children motherless. I mean, if THE Serena Williams faced complications and was practically ignored, what hope is there for someone like me? I don’t have some panacea for racial bias in the medical field, no matter how much I wish I did. What I do know however is that we can help to dismantle systemic racism and these negative stereotypes by voting, investing in the communities that need it most, encouraging more black children to pursue careers in the medical field, and educating others. There is no reason that the maternal mortality rate of black women should be similar to that of developing countries. Change is needed immediately.
ASIANS? MUST BE SMART Everyone experiences school in a different way. You’ve heard the stereotypical labels: the smart, the shy, the athletic, the popular—the list goes on. Society’s urge to divide us into categories transcends classroom boundaries. But for some, this school experience is dictated largely by the amount of melanin in their skin. Although I myself am a second generation Chinese-American high school student, I do not speak on behalf of all people in my demographic. Doing so would be irresponsible and discount diverse experiences. Today, I would like to take a moment and share with you a brief glance into my story. For as long as I can remember, I have had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and an unquenchable curiosity. Consequently, I excelled in academics and fell into the “smart kid” label. It still haunts me to this day. The grooming started early. In elementary school, I remember my classmates trading their snacks for homework help (I was a sucker for Cheez-Its). By fifth grade, I had acquired the nickname “encyclopedia girl” or “answer key” depending on the context. I didn’t really mind: I enjoyed learning and sharing knowledge, and in an egoistic way, I felt almost proud of the attention. And then there was middle school—where amnesia prevails and friends are forgotten on the basis of popularity. I never heard from old playground friends unless they needed help with homework. I became isolated from my classmates, spending my mornings and lunches with my social studies teacher discussing the latest book I was reading or learning more about the government structure of the United States. I would like to believe that I wasn’t a complete social outcast; I had my share of social skills, although my little sister would disagree. As I transitioned into high school, something started to bother me. The attitude of some of my classmates changed, and I found myself wary of how many questions I asked and answered during class. I was afraid of becoming unapproachable. Why the sudden change in my consciousness? For the first time, I heard someone say to me—in an almost accusatory manner—that I was “smart because I’m Asian.”
The mentality that people are “smart” because of their race is a hidden form of racism prevalent in American society. To say that someone’s intelligence, ability to learn new material, and ability to comprehend new concepts is based on their genetic heritage is deeply immoral and not to mention, just plain wrong. My experience in middle school (which continued into high school) signifies the prevalence of the model minority myth. “Asians” are a broad, diverse cultural category that encompases people who come from 30+ countries spanning an entire continent. The cultural practices of Chinese-Americans are different from that of Indian-Americans, Burmese-Americans, ThaiAmericans, etc. To use the word “Asians” in such a broad, generalizing way only signifies a lack of understanding of the diversity of Asians. To generalize the mental aptitude of 21 million people in America just because they are Asian is ludicrous. Yet it continues to this day. I am “smart” because I work hard and value learning. Sure, these may be values instilled in me by my culture, but these gross generalizations are detrimental to Asian-American students. It discounts individual work effort and belittles accomplishments. It places a mountain of pressure on high-achieving students who happen to be Asian. Yes, some Asians have strict parents. Yes, parenting methods vary by culture. But not all Asian parents are strict, just like how not all parents are strict. My parents certainly never were. Those who joke about Asian Tiger Moms would also get a good laugh from Pageant Moms (e.g. Toddlers and Tiaras).I do recognize that East-Asians & SouthAsians tend to achieve higher scores on standardized tests and are therefore considered “smarter.” The reasons for this are complex and depend mostly on cultural influences and community. This doesn’t make it right to believe in and perpetuate the model minority myth. On a personal level, I have felt immense pressure from this stereotype. Imagine everyone expecting you to do well at something. When I failed, as we all do at some point, the fear of being a disappointment prevented me from trying anything new. I was stuck in a box, miming my way through high-school, hoping that no one would notice me. This is no way to learn. This is no way to live. An unintentional side effect was the development of a fixed-mindset that I am still struggling to get rid of. And this is not even touching on how intelligence is not a measure of worth. Race should never be considered a cause of “smartness.” Intelligence is such a complex idea, and to generalize a very diverse racial group in such a way is wrong. I encourage you to do your own research into the model minority myth and develop your own informed opinions. As school starts across America, be mindful of your mindset. Recognize that everyone has a different experience from you, but our similarities are more than the sum of our differences. Stay safe. Stay healthy. And stay curious.
BEING BLACK IN A PRE-DOMINANT WHITE SOCIETY
We are proud to say things like slavery and apartheid are down the river of history. It’s so easy to say that we are in a world where we accept each other for who we are, but it’s not so easy to follow through with those words. Depending on the colour of your skin, you are judged on your privileges and being questioned whether you are like “them”. To even be a person of colour in a white neighborhood is difficult enough. All the uncomfortable stares and video recordings really reminds people of colour just how different they are compared to the rest. You may think “Well, it shouldn’t matter what the colour of their skin is, they still deserve an education, right?” Wrong. Systemic racism started in the 1960s and it still continues to this day. This biased law was used to separate the education standards of students based on what they can’t control- the colour of their skin. For instance, if you were a black girl in the same neighborhood as a white boy, you would attend a school for blacks only, which depending on the amount of care given for the school, would be low funded, low mantianced, old school with teachers that receive the minimum wage per day. That white boy in the same neighborhood would be in a private school, with proper institution and after school activities, privileges that black students can only dream of. No matter how hard we try, there will be racism in the world. It’s sad to say that we judge someone not through their personality or education, but rather through the colour of their skin. While some people choose to deny it to the end, we’re proving that we are still not ready to accept each other’s differences. Until we develop some kind of method that prevents this almost completely, we will keep deeping these barriers of differences we give to each other.
BEING MUSLIM IN TODAY'S SOCIETY Being a Muslim in today’s society is far from easy. We get stared at by at least one person anywhere you go. We endure mocking on social media for our choice of modesty and belief. No one should have to live like this, yet so many do– 1.8 billion to be exact. Are we all terrorists? Were 1.8 billion people born to kill? I don’t think so. If that were the case, millions would be dead by now, not because of the police, but because of us. Do our beliefs harm you? Nope. Then why does our choice of wardrobe bother you? Last time I checked, people express themselves and their beliefs in so many different ways. So why can’t we? It's hard to believe that so many Muslims are belittled. I just can’t understand why so many people hate us. If you don’t believe me, then search up any of these things: Uighur Muslim’s in Chinese concentration camps ( a lot like what the Nazis did to Jews if you ask me), Syrian war, Palestine annexation, Christchurch Muslim shooting, Quebec mosque shooting, France bans the niqab, Kashmir muslim lockdown, and countless other incidents. I urge you to take a look at any of the pictures that will pop up when you search for these acts of islamophobia. Do we look happy? Do we look safe? Do we look dangerous? Although all of these acts are being committed against us, have we lashed back? Have we responded in a violent manner? No. So who are the terrorists here, Muslims or the ones who are hurting us?
In this interview, Diversivity’s Siya Gupta spoke to Tyshana Tatum (she/her), the founder of Why So Intemperate. Why So Intemperate is an Instagram page dedicated to raising awareness about the Black Lives Matter movement as well as other under addressed issues. They also hope to spread positivity. Tatum spoke to us about her organization and her experiences as a Jamaican American woman.
WHY SO INTEMPERATE?
Question: Tell me about yourself. Answer: “I’m from New York. My mom is Jamaican [and] my dad’s African American, but I don’t really know a lot about his background. I know a lot about my mother. I would consider myself Jamaican American.” Question: What do you want to do in the future? Answer: “[My] ultimate goal is to work on Wall Street and create a platform and hopefully encourage other black women to do that same. Or just women in general because it’s a very male dominated job.” Question: Why did you start this organization and what it is about? Answer: “I had this sorority sister and it was around the time [of the] George Floyd [incident] and I was upset and tired. I didn’t really know what to do and I knew she wanted to be an activist, so I said let’s start [Why So Intemperate]. At first, it had no basis and it was just to get information out there to the people that are close to us. Now, it’s like let’s showcase black art and positivity [on Why So Intemperate]. We try to keep it mainly about BLM, but especially on our story we try to [include] latino rights, lgbtq+ rights, [and] women's rights.” Question: What do you hope to accomplish with your organization? Answer: “Spread News. I also want people to read more. In my community, if you start [kids] off with more education and make [education] seem fun, they grow up to have a higher chance of becoming [successful] in corporate America rather than just everyday people (Those who assimilate into society and work common jobs). Although, every day people are still needed.” *Tyshana told us a little bit about an initiative she was planning to start where she would donate books to kids and nursing homes to encourage them to read more.
Question: Why did you name your organization the name that it is? Answer: “Why so intemperate is a rhetorical question meant for both minorities as well as the people who oppress minorities. For example, we might ask a white police officer why they are so inherently angry at any random Black person who has done nothing to infuriate them. The question is also meant to be open ended and showcase why minorities are upset with how they are treated.” Question: How have recent events shaped you and your perspective? Answer: “Up until six months ago I didn’t really understand what was happening. I don’t think I grasped that it was so bad for my community. I just became tired. I needed a way out or a way for positivity to come in and to give out positivity.” Question: What is a social issue you feel should be more talked about more? Answer: “Women in other countries. Feminism is a big movement, but I think we need to know what specifically is happening in other countries. I try to find out what genocides are happening [or] what discrimination is happening because in the US, in the work place, that’s a standard. We know that women have less pay, for example. But in third world countries, it's worse. I think we need to talk about not only the US, but developing countries as well.” Question: How have your parents influenced you, your thinking, and your creation of this organization? Answer: “They’ve never been the type to kiss up to anyone. They’ve always been like, ‘If you wanna do it, you go do it.’ People may not be behind you. You may not have the support you need at the time, but if you see it through, if you work hard enough then it will all come to light. They’ve always been understanding and conscious of the times, so I think they are not ignorant. They know what’s going on and it helps me keep up with the news [as well as] what’s going on. With events that could happen, they sit me down and they tell me ‘ok this is what you need to do if this happens.’ So [my parents] being conscious shapes how conscious I am and how I perceive somebody else.”
Question: How does being a POC/minority impact you in your everyday life? Answer: “I realized the disadvantages I may be at simply because I am a person of color. In a way it helps me to work against and go around the opposition. Of course, it can cause anxiousness [by] just looking at everyone else’s next move. Am I in danger? Am I not? It causes some unsettling [feelings] and restlessness. Question: Did being a POC/minority influence you in starting the organization? Answer: “I think the George Floyd incident hit me harder than the others because I don’t have siblings. So if I see the murder of younger kids, say if it is a young black teen and he’s a boy, I don’t have a brother to refer back to. With George Floyd, he was around the age of my father. So I saw a lot of that in him. I was like what would I do [and] how would I feel if that was him? So that one really hit home. That’s why I wanted to start the page.” Question: What does it mean to be black/a minority in a predominantly white society? Answer: “It can be hard to overcome some of the norms, but you can also use [that] to your advantage. Show your differences. I think that sometimes we focus so much on the struggles of it [being a minority]. We need to create a space that holds us and all the fruit that we bear, not just find our place in a predominantly white society. We need to not just assimilate to what’s already being said.” Question: Do you have any advice for other young people of color? Answer: “Dare to challenge! Not just other races, but other people within your race or ethnicity. It’s okay to be different. I want to major in economics and I see that there have only been, I think, two African American women on Wall Street. [Wall Street] makes up such a big part of our everyday life. So, I think we need to get out of what we normally think of as our occupation or what we want to do in the future. If you have friends and they’re not talking about the situations that are going on, bring up the topic! You might get pushed down, but it needs to be brought up.Iit needs to be talked about, especially from younger people.” Question: Are there any life experiences or times that have impacted you that you want to share? Answer: “I think that on a personal level, I feel like a lot of black people experience this, but just walking around in a store. This happens to me all the time and I think now it has become normalized, especially for white people working in a store. They might not think they’re doing it, but they are. I don't need to be followed around [and] looked at like I’m going to steal something or cause a disruption. That’s something that shakes me personally. Now, I have to be extra careful to not bring attention that I wasn’t already going to bring. I wasn’t going to steal, you know.” Question: If there was one thing you could say to all the youth of America, what would it be? Answer: “I’d say challenge yourself. So they can then go and say, challenge other people, challenge your ideas, [and] your morals.”
EXTRAS
Here are some stories that aren't about this month's theme, but we felt should be included!
READ ON!
NO EXCUSES; WHAT DOES PRIDE MEAN TO YOU Imagine this. You have a friend in school. They’re not too popular— but they are well known and liked. They love being involved in school. They love helping their community in any possible way they can. One day, you hear a rumor. She’s gay. You don’t see the big deal, she’s nice and friendly! She deserves to live a life where she can love who she wants to love and be who she wants to be. But the sad truth is, not everyone has that same mindset. Whispers in the hall, snickers, and dirty looks. In the girl’s changing room, she is bullied because they are worried that she’s attracted to the other girls. This is just the beginning. You may be at home thinking, this is overkill. Same-sex marriage is legal in the majority of countries. They have rights. They have Pride Month. What are they complaining about now? But, are you sure that’s the reality? The truth is, we are still fighting for equality. Internalized homophobia, lack of resources, and lack of education are still major issues that the LGBTQ+ community has to deal with on a daily basis. As a kid, I wasn’t taught about the history of pride or what it means to be gay, transgender, or bisexual. Every single person is assumed to be heterosexual in their life, and many grow up believing that it’s the “norm,” that they cannot be themselves. Some individuals are sent to conversion camps that have an unimaginable toll on their wellbeing just because they want to be who they are and love who they want. When I found that I was bisexual, my first emotion should have been happiness. It should have been overwhelming joy because I accepted that part of me. That I accepted who I am. But, it wasn’t. My first emotion was fear. What if I am perceived as different? What if I’m looked at differently? I have spent my whole life working up to everyone’s expectations. I’m smart, I’m funny, I love meeting new people. But now, what if I’m known as ‘that kid?’ I only came out to a handful of people that I truly trust, and I am considered lucky that they responded in a supportive and loving way. That should be the norm. But it’s not. I’m lucky because I wasn’t disowned by my family. I’m lucky because I’m able to come out to those whom I trust. I’m lucky because I know my worth and I know my pride.
This leads to the million dollar question. What does it truly mean to be part of the LGBTQ+ community? Well, it’s a question that means unique things to different people. Pride is a movement that started with belief. Belief in strength and belief in unity. Not too long ago, people lived in a world where it was normal to be harassed or killed for who you identified as or your sexuality. Ruthless acts of hate rose throughout the years, from police raids to violence in the streets. The outbreak of HIV is a prime example of the mindset during those years. During this outbreak of sickness, it was nicknamed the “gay plague” because it could be transferred through oral sex. Governments gave little to no funding for hospitals, medication, or special help to those infected because most of those infected were gay. Yes, it is important to focus on the future and move forward. But, it is also crucial to recognize and accept that these horrendous acts occurred and learn from past mistakes and experiences. In Canada, 40% of people that are homeless are LGBTQ+. One-third of Canadians believe their workplace is non LGBTQ+ inclusive. As we fight to make change, there will always be people trying to regress to hatred and discrimination, but as youth it is our job to stand up and say “No. This is enough.” We live in a world where people are still fighting to be accepted, to be educated, and to love. Pride means you are part of a community that fights to change the world, that accepts anyone and everyone from all different backgrounds. What it means to be part of this community will be different for each and every person, but one thing is for sure. It all starts with belief.
On September 18, 2020, our nation lost a great hero— The notorious RBG. A champion of human rights. A pillar of our democracy. She brought our country to new heights and taught us another way to be. She gave us the right to have a bank account without a male co-singer. She gave us the right to have a job without discrimination based on gender. She made this country so much brighter by being a defender of our unalienable human rights. Above all, she inspired us to stand tall and believe in our purpose. United States v. Virginia Olmstead v. L.C. Ledbetter v. Goodyear Co. Obergefell v. Hodges Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt Her legacy is set in law— her impact, everlasting. Revered by those in awe. Respected by those dissenting. May her memory strengthen our resolve. May her legacy be carried by us all.
ODE TO RBG
THE TRUTH OF BEING A GIRL I was sitting at the park, and got chased out by a group of men who were yelling after me. I was at work and a 50 year old man was hitting on me, so much so that I felt unsafe at my own workplace. I was told by my math teacher that I was good for having babies, not playing sports. As a girl, I have constantly been told no. No, you can’t be a scientist. No, you can’t be in a position of power. No, you can’t live your life without pleasing others at every turn. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been told to follow a script written by society before I even knew how to read. Sit tall, follow instructions, and do what is expected of you. I have constantly been underrated. Consequently, I have a low self esteem and low confidence in my abilities. It’s challenging to picture yourself succeeding when you never see your own gender succeeding. It’s hard when nobody sees you for your abilities, only their perspective of you. It’s impossible to keep living like this, to bring daughters into this world knowing that the whole world is against them. I know this is a very sensitive subject for a lot of women because we’ve been taught that this is life, that there is nothing we can do. The justice system is not made in favour of us, it is in favour of the perpetrators. Instead of teaching men how to control themselves, we are taught how to defend ourselves. Were you catcalled while walking to work in broad daylight? Well, what were you wearing? Were you raped? Well, you probably were asking for it. These are not uncommon for victims of assault, harassment, and rape to hear, and there have been no improvements. The victim blaming has been engraved in our minds as kids, forced upon us by adults that we look up to and presented to us on the news. The statistics are there. There is no excuse to not be informed, to not educate yourself, and strive to make a difference. I am here to tell you that now, I’m putting my foot down. No, I will not be underestimated. No, I will not sit tall, follow instructions, and do what is expected of me. No, I will not be silent any longer. This is the time where things change. This is the time where more and more people start saying no. This is the time where the world stops staying silent. If a woman wants to be a scientist, in a position of power, an athlete, or anything she sets her mind to, there is nothing that is going to stop her. Generations of sexism are coming to an end. People are waking up. People are realizing that this must end for our lives to continue. This starts with one voice. One voice to empower, encourage, and inspire. Now you have an idea of what needs to be done. We must speak up. We must empower ourselves and others. Most importantly, we must demand change. This starts with one voice. The real question is, will it be yours?
THANK YOU !!
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