Mattia Sayson ASA 002 A02 Week 10

While this week's reading was mainly a recap of the overall text with a "call to action" for readers with this new understanding of Asian American scholars in academia, it really reiterated the importance of education with ethnic studies/Asian American studies. The idea of "wokeness" that Asian American scholars in this text are especially familiar with, is necessary for many of the youth now. "Staying woke" in the sense that one's knowledge is transformed into action to support those whose voices have been repressed and oppressed is a feeling that I think many are going through in light of what's been happening. This process of unlearning and learning of the systems of oppression and communities of color that continue to struggle with all the "-ism's" such as racism, classism, and sexism is evident now. While this emphasis is especially prominent in society, many need to understand that this is a concurrent issue. This will continue to be an issue when no one is posting about it. However, we should never go back to sleep. We should continue posting and spreading awareness. How we critically analyze and deconstruct these institutions and systems should continue for the rest of our lives because it will affect how we see and live those lives. As a student of color in higher education, this gives me the opportunity to learn and unlearn as well as educate those who need guidance during this process. I am also aware of the university as an institution, which was heavily discussed in this week's reading. I feel these academic pressures especially when I am frustrated with pain and a heavy heart for those who are especially suffering right now. I continue to have these conversations with interpersonal circles because these conversations need to always happen.

References:
Valverde, K.-L. C., & Dariotis, W. M. (2020). Fight the tower: Asian American women scholars resistance and renewal in the academy. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, pp.369-380.
Image:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pri.org%2Fstories%2F2016-02-23%2Fdespite-their-history-japanese-americans-and-african-americans-are-working&psig=AOvVaw3m-e5OabdYOypW2bDPR3Yq&ust=1591159276681000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCMjZncyo4ukCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD