Eden Knight A03 Week 6

Eden Knight

A03

Week 6 Blog Post

Akkio Takeyama’s “Opening the Box: An International Asian Woman Scholar’s Fight” was an eye-opening account of her experience in Academia. I particularly liked her detailed eye. Takeyama’s detail is essential in spotting and acknowledging microaggressions. Towards the end, I liked the “Lessons to Learn” section. It serves as a closing note with key concepts for the reader to take away. Takeyama admits there are things she could have done differently. This honesty builds trust with the reader and reminds the reader that no one’s path is perfect. I agree with the author’s perspective of needing to increase cultural sensitivity and understanding of different cultures. I think this could best be achieved through education. People fear the unknown. Education is the best tool to remove this fear. Education can come in many forms. Formal education of cultures in school settings, starting from a young age, or educating your friends and family about your culture, travelling abroad to experience cultures first-hand.

Kaozong N. Mouavangsou’s “Hmong Does Not Mean Free: The Miseducation of and by Hmong Americans” was a logical piece. The examination of six Hmong families was effective in building the argument. The emphasis on education for financial stability is something common to me. As an ‘outsider’, I learnt about the American Dream in Geography lessons when I was young. The Hmong perception of education seems to reflect the American dream: Education, professional job, good life. I am on that path and I think it is completely respectable to strive for this.

The idea of the American Dream may be a dated term, but I see success stories everywhere: Dr. Ken Jeong, the famous actor and doctor, born of Korean immigrants. Jeremey Lin’s parents were immigrants from Taiwan. Lin went on to Harvard to play basketball and was drafted to the NBA. Both had humble beginnings yet live the American Dream. 

Ken Jeong picture: Doctor and Actor

Source:

Valverde, K.-L. C., & Dariotis, W. M. (2020). Fight the Tower: Asian American Women Scholars' Resistance and Renewal in the Academy. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press

Ken Jeong picture, Wired (2017) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFQzvPUzeU&t=151s