Officially, the model minority myth is the belief that all Asians are naturally high achieving. Unofficially, it meant that my childhood was a constant barrage of jokes about having to go to Harvard and become a doctor or lawyer. It meant stepping into a room and knowing that people already made assumptions about me and…
Entrepreneurial niche (n.): a particular type of business APIDA ethnicities are known for specializing in. Usually associated with stereotypes, these small businesses have recently become targets for racism and vandalism. As we walk past small businesses and mom-and-pop stores in our neighborhoods, many of us in the APIDA community can’t help but wonder if the…
It seems that people are gradually adapting to life under the pandemic, and I’ve seen fewer people panicking on social media over toilet paper shortage and more sharing their daily activities such as taking online classes or cooking. With society’s attention diverted toward the election and the approaching holiday season, it is easy to neglect…
Internalized racism (n.): the internalization, by racially oppressed groups, of the negative stereotypes and beliefs about themselves Unlike racism, internalized racism is a much more subtle and complex phenomenon that doesn’t stem from one’s conscious mind or deliberate ignorance. Internalized racism is a result of all of the racial inequalities ingrained within our society. It’s…
In light of this difficult time, we asked our staff to answer a few questions and share their thoughts on this global pandemic, quarantine, local efforts and transnational combatting approaches. We hope to provide a platform for community support and urge folks to submit their work/thoughts to our open submissions form. Amanda: I am back…
“American justice has become American injustice. Superimposed on you.” Showcased at this year’s San Diego Asian Film Festival, “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail” is a documentary directed by Steve James that encapsulates a five-year-long legal battle between the state of New York and Abacus Federal Savings Bank. Within the first three minutes of the film,…