WEEK 8-George Welly

George Welly

Week 8

Section A01

Within What Asian Americans are Bringing to Campus Movements for Racial Justice, Putterman highlights the roles of Asian Americans within social activist movements within a myriad of college campuses in pan-America. Initially Putterman also notes the experience of an Asian man being rejected from interviewing members of the Black Lives matter community which is primarily due to the fact that he is Asian and Asians are stereotypically not politically active. Putterman also emphasizes the fact that Asian Americans may not be so involved due to the lack of an organization thereof to inspire these minds. Within the Asian American community there are disparities themselves as Asian Americans are such a diverse group of people. This preconceived social hierarchy among Asians prevent such movements from happening, however Putterman reassures the audience that Asian Americans are involved within the social activist movements and in reality, what is truly preventing the full outreach is the minds of people themselves.

As I read the article I had mixed feelings. I do understand that having people not of your ethnicity support your movement demonstrates the idea that some ethnicities can do their job “better,” but in all honesty this action is creating further divide against race and ethnicities. If people have good intentions, let them be, otherwise more negative thoughts occur. I also agree with Putterman that there is this idea that Asian Americans are not that involved within social activist movements and I feel as if this idea boils down to our history in trying to succeed in America through the American dream. I can definitely say to speak out of the system would be seen as a total sin within the eyes of my family because they encompass the “if you can’t beat them, join them” type of mentality. The fact that we have to align ourselves within the system to succeed makes my blood boil, but this is the reality of why Asian American activism may not be seen as a reality. Finally, the dangers of such actions may include being fired from your job and within the eyes of our parents, not having a job and not being economically stable is a waste of their hard efforts in supporting us to be successful. Perhaps what I am trying to say is that being outspoken may be tied to our culture.

Q: Is student activism among Asian Americans considered to be tied to Asian culture?

References:

Putterman, M. T. (2016). What Asian Americans Are Bringing to Campus Movements for Racial Justice. Race files.

Western vs. Eastern Culture. (2014, April 06). Retrieved May 21, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znulWyvmIAQ