Julia Shung, A04, Week 4

In the reading, “Killing Machine: Exposing the Health Threats to Asian American Women Scholars in Academia” (Valverde et al., 2019) authors discuss the reality of reports in relation to high numbers of serious health problems faced by Asian American Women. For these women, it is difficult for them to hear these stereotypes about themselves such as being silent, submissive and invisible. It is heartbroken to see that Asian American women are not given the chance and opportunity based on these stereotypes. In addition, it is even more strenuous for them to prove themselves to everyone that they belong in the academia workplace. As mentioned, in the reading Asian Americans experience higher rates of imposter syndrome or the self-perception that they do not belong in academia or that they don’t qualify for the position. Therefore, over time these women are attempting to earn their place which causes them to experience physical pain, stress, fatigue and problems with sleep, reproductive issues, weight gain or loss etc. In the study, they conducted these women expressed that they were generally healthy before entering academia but their health began to decline due to stress in the workplace. They surveyed a graduate student, and she attributes her health problems to: staying up late grading, researching and writing and feeling anxious about all the work that she needs to get done. As result, Asian American women are prioritizing their academic work over their health and well-being.

Once Asian American women have achieved their place in the workplace, some are unable to work due to the amount of stress that they put on their bodies. During the time that they are working hard, and experiencing these health problems they put their medical expenses to the side and believe that they don’t have “time” to care about their mental health. Correspondingly, women of color feel compelled to do more work than their white peers. In addition, Asian American women also have to worry about balancing their work and their life. Therefore, some women put motherhood on hold because they want to pursue their academic careers and chose to have children later. However, women who are married and have children find it difficult to pursue their career while also performing household duties and raising their children. Consequently, Asian American women carry the burden of model minority stereotypes, physical health problems and the role of being a woman. It is disappointing to see that our world is socially constructed into a hierarchy that places value on sex, gender and race.

References:

DiNoto, Anne, et al. “‘Model Minority’ Pressures Take Mental Health Toll: BU Today.” Boston University, 9 Feb. 2015, www.bu.edu/articles/2015/model-minority-pressures-take-mental-health-toll.

Caroline Valverde, Cara Maffini Pham, Melody Yee, and Jing Mai. “Killing Machine: Exposing the Health Threats to Asian American Women Scholars in Academia