Week 9 — Jennifer Zhang

Jennifer Zhang
SID# 914019640
ASA 002 / A03

Why Ferguson Matters to Asian Americans

In her article, "Why Ferguson Matters to Asian Americans," Soya Jung discusses how anti-black racism relates to Asian Americans, and why the model minority myth matters. What stood out to me was how Jung acknowledges how difficult it can be as an Asian American because since the U.S. economy  and political system are so deeply rooted in anti-blackness, claiming our place in America means choosing a position in whiteness or blackness—there is no in between. We are not seen as "white," but we do not stand with "blacks" either.

What I inferred from the article was that pitting minorities against each other was a divide-and-conquer tactic our oppressors of White America have consistently utilized throughout history in order to stay in power. By focusing on, for example, our responsibility as Asian Americans in black power movements and on the black community's views on Asian Americans, we end up standing against each other rather than with each other. Constantly reinforcing the stereotype that Asian Americans are not politically active creates the schema that the entire community is very anti-black, and only supports movements that stand to benefit them. However, Asian Americans are politically active, yet their movements and history are not given as much coverage or recognition—even if they are supporting the black community. While being aware of each other's struggles and obstacles are important, I hope the black and Asian American community could take a step back and see that being turned against each other only gives our oppressors the power to keep us all in check and under their control—exactly what they want.

Attached is a photo of Asian Americans standing in solidarity, advocating for the Black Lives Matter.

Q: What are ways we can let both the Asian American and black community understand each other better, in order to be more effective with our political movements against our oppressors?

Works Cited:

Iroegbu, U. (2015). [Image of Asian Americans supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in Minneapolis on Nov. 24]. Twin Cities Daily Planet. Retrieved from https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/when-asian-american-politics-and-black-lives-matter-met-at-macalester/

Jung, S. (2014). Why Ferguson matters to Asian Americans. Race Files.