The readings from Fight the Tower focused on the injustice that Asian American women as well as women of color in academia faced. The poem, “Who Killed Soek-Fang Sim?” illustrated the health issues that many women struggle with while on the tenure-track or trying to get promoted. Not only do these Asian American women have to deal with personal health problems, they are bullied by their colleagues and must work in a hostile environment. What I noticed throughout reading the poem as well the “Killing Machine” is that Asian American women and women of color are always having to prove themselves. Women experience imposter syndrome and like W.P. there is this constant question in mind “Are we good enough?” (Valverde & Dariotis). Many people live their lives not sure if they deserve or are meant to be in the position they’re at.
Throughout the poem there are also references to the song “America the Beautiful.” This song represents the American dream and freedom, yet the Asian American women in academia are experiencing the opposite. They endure the injustice of being compared to their white or male counterparts and never-ending stress. The stress that causes physical health problems as well as mental health issues. They are expected to be the best that they can be without help from others, pushing themselves until they lack sleep. The women of color in academia are rising up and staying resilient so that they may “reach the land of the free” (Valverde & Dariotis).
References:
Valverde, K.-L. C., & Dariotis, W. M. (2019). Fight the tower: Asian American women scholars resistance and renewal in the academy. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
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