Tag: Chinese Americans

Asian American Pacific Islander

Do We All Look Alike?

“You all look alike,” is what people told me when I was a kid growing up. As an Asian American in the Midwest in the 1970s, before diversity was “a thing,” I was always aware my family was different — and difference was not celebrated. I laugh, or try to, now if anyone accuses me of identity politics. They have it backwards: I struggled to assimilate, to avoid being marked by my heritage. I understood to be accepted by my peers, I had to forsake my ancestors.

June 2, 2020

Asian American Pacific Islander

The President’s Diversity Values Stink

While there is no vaccine for COVID-19 we do have a vaccine for the ignorance of xenophobia. It’s called knowledge. President Trump can use a little of that right now, instead of shooting from the lip as he did numerous times on live television last week.

March 24, 2020

African-American

Beware the Racist Who Claims to Be “Rational”

Among the most dangerous arguments for racial profiling are the most rational. They are persuasive because they are by definition based on logic and statistics. The premise is that a stereotype is true, or more probably true than false, or at least more true of the group subjected to it than of other populations.

January 21, 2020

Opinion

Our Shared History

People are ignorant of history, even their own.

October 24, 2019

Asian American Pacific Islander

Cilantro and Prejudice

Cilantro is a good example for showing the stupidity of racial stereotypes. The herb, also known as coriander and Chinese parsley, is a staple in some cuisines to the surprise of diners of varying backgrounds who report it tastes like soap. It turns out that whether you like this seasoning or want to spit it out depends on your genetics — your heritage.

January 22, 2019

African-American

Birthright Citizenship is Under Attack…Again

Birthright citizenship unites people of color. The principle is under attack again. The two professors who wrote the book suggesting the Supreme Court was wrong to recognize the rule insist they are not motivated by race.

November 1, 2018