Week 9 - Katrina Estrella

Katrina Estrella

Section A03

Week 9

This week’s reading, “Why Ferguson Matter to Asian Americans,” can continue off of last week’s discussion on the Asian American position on race. Rather, the article emphasizes the dehumanization of the black community in the narrative of the conflict of the Black Lives Matter movement. The author then poses that the model minority myth of Asian Americans reinforces this dehumanization of black people and the invisibility of Asian death, to which I agree to. It reinforces my beliefs that any stereotype, good or bad, does more harm to various people. I believe that it is important, just as Soya Jung says, to use black rage as a beacon in order to navigate our own Asian American movement. Otherwise, other people of color will be left in the schism of black and white, and it will further the division between both races. The union of the every minority is necessary in order to stand a chance against systematic oppression. It also creates hope for a better utopia.

That is why I believe that the statement “I have no opinion on the matter” and anything else of the like is almost detrimental to the movements that fight for their rights, for their humanity. Standing by the sidelines because of the fear and pressure of society is an act to be understood, but it is important to know that doing this encourages the narrative that puts people of color down, hindering us from fulfilling a life equal to our peers.

Question: How can we encourage more people to be more vocal on topics such as race? Rather, how can we make a space for healthy discussion in order to make sure everyone is heard? How can we limit the fear that people feel when discussing their opinions?

References:

Jung, S. (2014, August 20). Why Ferguson Matters to Asian Americans [Article]. Race Files. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from http://www.racefiles.com/2014/08/20/why-ferguson-matters-to-asian-americans

Sack, S. (2014, August 19). Ferguson Law Enforcement [Cartoon]. Retrieved from http://www.startribune.com/sack-cartoon-ferguson-law-enforcement/271917141/