I know I’m not alone when I say, I’ve been subjected to various iterations of these hateful words for as long as I can remember: “now Googling how to not wake up with swollen, Asian eyes” and “Outdone by Asian #whatsnew.” The problem is that many of us, Asians in America, have too often walked away from these racist encounters rather than speaking up and out about it. Admittedly, I adapted to a learned helplessness, redirecting my anger to proving my worth as an American, to prove that I belong, despite the way that I look. I unfairly placed that burden of proof on me. It’s more than overdue now that we loudly condemn these kinds of injustices until our fellow Americans understand our pain and take action.
I know I’m not alone when I say, I’ve been subjected to various iterations of these hateful words for as long as I can remember: “now Googling how to not wake up with swollen, Asian eyes” and “Outdone by Asian #whatsnew.” The problem is that many of us, Asians in America, have too often walked away from these racist encounters rather than speaking up and out about it. Admittedly, I adapted to a learned helplessness, redirecting my anger to proving my worth as an American, to prove that I belong, despite the way that I look. I unfairly placed that burden of proof on me. It’s more than overdue now that we loudly condemn these kinds of injustices until our fellow Americans understand our pain and take action.
