Lunar New Year: Reflections
One of my intentions this year is to learn more about my culture. As it so happens, my timing this year could not have been more perfect to lean into my Asian heritage. There was one week in February when my social media feeds were flooded with images and educational graphics about the rise of hate crimes against Asians. I recognize that everyone has unique social media feeds depending on the kind of content one prefers to consume and the type of accounts one might follow, so not everyone is seeing the same content that I’m seeing. If you’ve seen the documentary, The Social Dilemma, then you might have already learned about the psychological, political, and hateful consequences of social media. All this to say that you may or may not have heard that hate crimes against Asian Americans have been at an all time high. Now I’m no tech specialist, journalist, activist, or psychologist by any means, but surely something has to be said about the violence and racial targeting of Asians in America.
Of course racism against Asians is nothing new. The Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 and the internment of Japanese Americans in 1942 were two of the biggest injustices against Asians living in America. In many ways, these examples seems far too distant to be internalized by someone as “Americanized” as me, but at the same time, these same kind of racist laws/restrictions are very much still alive and well. Maybe not under the same title or with the same severity, but racist policies still exist. They simply manifest themselves in new forms under the guise of determining who deserves to be here and who does not.
The issue of race runs deep in America. It’s part of our history and our reality all at once. I, for one know that I do not have all the answers nor do I seek to try to wrap my head around everyone’s individualized experience with race. Some might feel that they never experience racism while others struggle with it everyday. All I can do is share my experiences, reflections, and stories with you. It’s easy to get caught up in the complications and nuances of race, racial identity, hate, and politics. I’m not here to tell you to believe one thing or another, I simply believe that there is no room for hate in this world and there is no scapegoat that will fix the larger issues that society faces.
When it comes down to it, we are all the same. We are born into this world without asking and we die hoping that we made the most out the time that was given to us. Though we are equal in life and death, we are not all born into the same world with the same opportunities. It’s true, life is in many ways unfair from the start. Maybe it’s the randomness of life’s unfairness that brings hate into this world or possibly it’s the structures that we have built for ourselves that turn us against those that might bring something different to the table. I suppose we’ll never know. Though I could continue writing forever about my thoughts and reflections about race, I wanted to spare you from a lengthy essay and break down my thoughts, realizations, and reflections by number.
Cultural identity is not stationary. It’s something that grows and shapes overtime. It can be blended with exposure to new cultures and it can also be lost during assimilation. I’m working on the former.
Speaking up against Anti-Asian violence does not take away from advocating against hate for other minority groups. The fight against racism and hate is not just for one agenda; it’s also for my BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Jewish friends. We can fight the same fight and still be allies.
The topic of racism is not a political one, or at least, it shouldn’t be. I know the words ‘racism’ and ‘political’ are both very buzz-worthy, but I don’t mean it to be so. I think if anything, it’s mentally distracting. Again, I’m not here to tell you what to believe or how to live your life, but I do believe that things like compassion, empathy, and kindness are universal and we are nothing without them.
Conversations about race do not always need to be dark and scary. I love learning about new cultures; especially those of my dear friends. Though cultures might appear drastically different on the surface, in actuality they might have a lot in common. Have conversations about race. Here are some talking points that I suggest:
What is your cultural identity? If applicable, how many generations has your family been in America?
Do you identify with your racial background? Why or why not?
Did you face any challenges growing up with your ethnic background? Is there something about yourself that you wished you could change?
How does race play a role in your family? Is it something that you have discussed with them?
Does your cultural identity impact how you see yourself in society?
Do you feel rooted in your culture? If not, do you wish to be?
Being Asian American comes with its own set of privileges, costs, and opportunities. Regardless, I seek to challenge the status quo I was born into and help create the kind of inclusive world that I know we deserve to live in. Though we’ve come a long way, we still have a long way to go. Everyone deserves a seat at the table, everyone.
Since conversations about race, culture, and identity are ongoing, below I’ve listed some amazing Instagram accounts to follow to continue the learning process and diversify your feed. If you have any suggestions for other accounts, do let me know in the comments section down below.
@thepeahceproject: “Celebrating Asian identity through media.” I’ve recently joined the team as an Ambassador! (YAY) I just on-boarded this week, but so far it’s been a very positive experience. More to come soon!
@bipoc.creatives: “Unseen stylish Black, Indigenous, & People of Color in creative professions behind and in front of the lens.” Beautifully curated and so incredibly diverse, I love following this account. Also, the aesthetics are everything.
@jordanrisa (founder of @seenaesthetic): Jordan not only has a beautifully curated aesthetic but also, her captions and IG stories cover everything from cultural identity to a variety of social issues. Stylish and educational. The best combo.
@dearasianyouth: “We strive to empower, educate, & uplift Asian youth.” Simple, quick, and easy to read infographics that are shareable and digestible. A quick daily dose of social issues.
@dietprada: As the fashion industry watchdog, Diet Prada is a unique force of nature. Though much of the content is centered around the world of fashion, Diet Prada also covers debates about cultural appropriation and pop culture. I’ve gone down so many internet rabbit holes because of Diet Prada, so don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
I think this is one of the most raw and vulnerable moments I’ve ever felt on the internet. If you made it this far, thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts. I hope if anything my reflections give you something positive to embrace or inspire you to explore your own cultural identity. Though the world is filled with labels and uncertainty, I know that everyone has their own story to tell and everyone deserves to tell it.
xx
Ella Kol
