My boys completed an Asian American Ethnic Studies class this semester through a collaboration between Long Beach Unified School District and California State University Long Beach. The class gives them college credit so I was thrilled that they decided to take the class in addition to their already full academic schedule. Every week they were given relevant topics to read then write a reflection on. They often shared what the topics were throughout the weeks with the Huz & I and some weeks spawned some interesting discussions within our family. For their midterms, they created individual "Tiktok" type presentations that touched upon racial stereotypes within the culture. They were able to share it with their teacher and fellow classmates as well as view others' works as well. From my observation, the students were so supportive of one another and it was heartwarming to see.
For their final, they wrote a 4-6 page paper on a chosen topic that was covered within the class. I loved what each of my sons did so I just wanted to share a part of it--the "zine" part of their project.
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| Here is the First-born's zine collage. |
The First-born did his paper on Asian representation in media. He's pretty passionate about this topic and enjoyed the research and material. He even needed to shorten his paper because he felt like he had too much information in it--always a good problem to have when completing a written project. In summary he concluded that Asian Americans have contributed some amazing work in media but their representation is often (still) lacking. But the hope is that there is a movement toward change and we will see more Asian representation in the present and future.
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| A poem in zine |
The Youngest did his paper on the Model Minority myth which, in its full entirety is quite a tragedy. Asian Americans are stereotyped and are expected to be able to handle all facets of life so asking for help and appearing vulnerable is not a choice they would make. To be clear, Asians are not all academically gifted or "good at Math". They are like any other group of people, flawed, happy, sad, artistic--all of the above & more! For his "zine" portion, he created, what I feel, is a moving poem on the topic. His teacher was in full appreciation mode and called his work "a gift". I can't help but agree.
Here is the poem in text form:
Reverberations of Model Minority
Model minority is a myth from the media
affecting Asians from the business world to academia.
It contributes to the racialization of our culture
constantly hovering over us like a dead body to a vulture.
It emphasizes success, hard work , and family due to genetics
which seemed to be better than being a yellow menace.
However although seemingly good on paper
all it did was act like an eraser.
For Asians are diverse with many cultures and differences
each with their own uniqueness and experiences.
But the model minority does not acknowledge that
portraying us all under one same hat.
Not even Asian youth are free from this thought
regardless of whether they fit or not.
For withholding the stereotype inflicts a lot of pressure
which can stem from family, friends, and even professors.
Ridiculed for failing like a normal human being
which can have an effect on their mental well-being
And because asking for help breaks the stereotype of perfection
some students may stay quiet for fear of rejection.
But their quietness does not solve their problem
and some commit actions that can be quite solemn.
One’s mental health is important for a person
and the model minority only leads for these issues to worsen.
Although it seems dire there is still hope
and one day we may not have to walk on a tight-rope.
For awareness to this subject can bring reprieve
and that is something that I hope to achieve.
I'm always super proud of these boys of mine. They have adapted to whatever changes and curveballs have come their way and as I always tell them, at the end of the day, that's what life is about--being able to handle whatever comes your way. It's not always going to be an easy road--more often than not, it's a bumpy and curvy one. So, adjust, adapt and move forward. And if you stumble or fall flat on your @$$, find a way to get back up and walk on.
Sending light & love out into the universe...stay safe, stay positive. XOXO
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