There has been a virus of racism running rampant in this country, with the ugly bitter truths underlying beneath the skin of the American people. The many lives of POC who have been affected by this pandemic have been silenced the hands of modern-day racists invalidating the narratives of the POC that they swore they’re “cool with.” So, reader, you cannot just be “cool” or “friends” with someone to be anti-racist…you have to be Anti in the full defined term, you may not know what this means.
The model minority myth has been the silent mouth guard to many Asian communities, allowing our narratives of micro aggressions and blatant forms of racism to us go unnoticed. Not now. Due to the pandemic the rate of Asian Hate crimes has increased exponentially about 1900%. The voices of the many AAPI activists are united into one raising the volume on stories that were defined as not racist enough to talk about.
So, what even is racism today?
“You’re pretty for an Asian girl.” This is racism.
“I thought Asians were supposed to be smart.” This is racism.
“Asians aren’t POC, you’re basically white.” This is racism.
“So where from China are you from?” This is racism.
“Ni hao,” someone says to me. I am Filipina.
You see, racism takes on many forms not just the “I hate Asians,” trope, or the violence of these hate crimes. This is too blatant, too much of a red flag. No, micro aggressions are what I and many other Asians experience. This is rooted in the fact that we are the “grey area,” the too cultured to be categorized as white, and not colored enough to be truly considered POC. But we are colored, and we do deserve to have our stories told.
So how can you help me? How can you help your Asian friend? How can you support?
-
Talk to them. Engage in uncomfortable conversation with what they experience.
-
Support them. Campus life distracts us from what is happening at home. Talking to friends allows for an exchange of narrative to ensue, thus letting you know what you can do to help support your Asian friend.
-
Speak up. You see racism, you call out racism. Period.
-
Educate yourself. Many people are not informed with what is happening in the world, but you shouldn’t be. Read articles, watch the news, see how the government is helping or perpetuating these crimes.
-
Be Anti-racist.
-
Be kind.