If you find yourself uneducated on the racism and xenophobia leveled against the Asian (American) and Pacific Islander community, also known as AAPI or API, then here are five resources and suggestions to educate yourself. Keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive list; education does not have an ending point, so be sure to be consistent in your anti-racist education, and not when it’s only a trending issue.
- Listen to Podcasts Dedicated on Asian Feminisms
-
A cornerstone of learning about and supporting communities outside of your own identity is listening to others! One of my favorite podcasts I’ve recently listened to is the State of Things discussion with Suey Park, Jennifer Ho and Sara Sandman. Their conversation focuses on varied topics, including the model minority myth, the problematics of centering whiteness and the objectification of Asian women. Listen here.
- Learn About the Stereotypes
-
Each racial or ethnic group has a set of stereotypes pushed on them. The AAPI/API community is no different. As discussed in the podcast above, the model minority myth is a dangerous sterotype that only creates opposition within the AAPI/API community. I highly recommend the website Big Bad Chinese Mama, which works to confront, dismantle and make fun of stereotypes assigned to AAPI/API women.
- Read from AAPI/API Authors
-
Whether long or short-form content, it’s extremely helpful to read from AAPI and API authors. Think about your usual reading lists. Are the authors generally white? Do the narratives center whiteness? If so, an easy first step is to diversify your reading.
When you shift your reading from white authors and white protagonists to authors and protagonists of color, you will also learn.
Here are some of my favorites fiction novels written by AAPI/API authors: I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee, A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee, and Loathe at First Sight by Suzanne Park.
- Listen to AAPI/API Musicians
-
Music has always served as a mode of activism, and it is such an accessible opening to education and activism. Much like you reading, diversifying the music you listen to is an easy place to start. My current favorite is SAWAYAMA by Rina Sawayama, which discusses sexuality, depression and fetishism of Asian women. Not sure who to listen to? Here are some lists of AAP/API artists, published by Wear Your Voice and Berkeley, respectively.
- Find Where You Can Donate
-
A big part of anti-racist activism is putting money where your mouth is, if able. Here is a preliminary list of places to donate. If you do not have the funds, amplify places to donate — put them on your social media, tell your network and be steadfast.
These places of donation also help educate, as most donation sites have a general FAQ or About Us page. If you don’t quite understand why donating is important, these pages are a great introduction and education resource.
Educating yourself is one step in bettering yourself, empathizing with others and becoming a better ally. As you continue your education, be self-reflective. Are there perspectives, people or communities that you are intentionally or unintentionally ignoring? What do you need to re-learn? How can you implement this education into your reality? There is no shame in ignorance as long as you’re consistently fighting against it; it is only when you acknowledge your ignorance and fail to do the work that it becomes shameful. Hopefully, these five suggestions and resources above will prove helpful!