Vicky Tsai explains that it is “a confluence of factors” that hold Asian Americans back from top corporate posts: “historical racism, discrimination, stereotypes, and cultural misconceptions.” Asians are held out of DEI initiatives because, “discriminatory microaggressions that we face in our day-to-day working interactions aren’t registered as ‘racist’ because they’re not overt, consciously done, or because we don’t call attention to them.” She says that “the only way to change this is for the entire community to start speaking up and having our stories be heard.”
The conviction now among many Asian Americans is that it is time to stand up to stereotypes and racism. They recognize that the silent strategy no longer works. They follow a process familiar to African-Americans and Latinx people.
- Educate yourself. Learn the history that is not taught in schools.
- Speak out: share your stories, listen, be open, don’t blame, ask “why do you feel that way?”
- Identify allies and friends to connect within safe spaces. Encourage them to organize platforms where people can speak and host events that educate people on how to stand up on behalf of Asian Americans and other minorities. Take the first step to help people be aware and understand how you feel and what you experience. Be ready to have the conversation and provide resources.
- Asian Americans as well as their friends and allies should be “upstanders” who when they see something wrong, say something and work to make it right.
- Promote pan-Asian solidarity and find common cause with other minorities.
- Recognize that Asians are not monolithic, culturally or economically, and that there are real and differing needs in those various communities.
- To attract corporate support and philanthropic dollars, some Asians have started non-profits to advocate for Asian Americans.
In the last analysis, building relationships that create trust and understanding will create change. Asian Americans, as well as their friends and allies, need each other to be cultural interpreters who explain what is felt when something that reinforces stereotypes and racism is said or done. Thear Suzuki, a survivor of Cambodian genocide, a global client services partner at EY, and a member of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum board, writes that lasting change requires “focus on changing hearts and attitudes.” That work is interpersonal, in the neighborhood, in the workplace, and in the community.
- “Racism in America: Voices of Asian Americans,” Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum program, May 20, 2021, Racism in America: Voices of Asian Americans – YouTube
- Shan Li and Liyan Qi, “Attacks Fuel Asian-American Activism, Wall Street Journal, April 7, 2021
- Together we Can: April – May 2021 Action Items:
- CORRECTION: Together We Can: April Action Items & Asian American Focus (mailchi.mp)
- Together We Can: May Action Items (mailchi.mp)
Recently established Asian-led foundations
- The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
- Stop AAPI Hate
- Asian Uplift
- The Orchid Giving Circle—Asian Women Caring and Sharing