Ahmed Alhassan - A03 - Week 4

The poem Who Killed Soek-Fang Sim? by W.P. is a poem that vividly illustrates the challenges that Asian-Americans face in our society. The poem takes a very serious and depressing tone when describing these challenges, which is something I appreciate, as this discussion is not often given the weight and seriousness it deserves. The author uses strong imagery, describing "poison gas seeping" through their body parts. This reminds me of the physical and mental pain one can go through, due to the institutional discrimination towards a minority group. Not only does this treatment exhaust someone mentally due to challenges in the workplace, and in educational institutions, but this can also transcend physically and the stress can cause health damage. Moreover, the author also stresses the importance of rising up to face these challenges. This is a important topic of discussion, as sometimes hopelessness can set upon many people due to seeing the presence of injustice everywhere, from our politics, to our schools and our jobs. This injustice might not be something everyone experiences personally, but they could see it inflicted upon others around them. The idea of "Mutual Aid", which I learned about recently, is something that might give people some hope. As it does not rely on our institutions to help those in need, but creates a community of people that help each other based on solidarity, and unity against those institutions. The image below illustrates that kind of unity, as people who may not be in need can help others who are. While we may give up on trying to change corrupt institutions, we may find hope within our own community.

“Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future: Lessons from Depression-Era Mutual Aid.” Indybay, www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/27/18831870.php.