The time is long overdue. It is time for the Asian American community (along with everyone else) to finally stand in solidarity with the Black community. We, as Asian Americans, must first evaluate ourselves and our families and the rampant anti-Black racism present in our community. We must recognize the fact that inherent racism in our community as “being old fashioned” is no excuse for being racist towards the Black community. We have the responsibility to acknowledge and educate any ignorant family members and their racist sentiments, no matter how minor these sentiments may seem. Staying silent about even just the slightest racist sentiments from our family members contributes to the problem; the Black community needs everyone’s FULL support.
We must get rid of the ongoing decades of internalized racism that goes on in our community and work to eliminate the “Model Minority Myth” which just adds on to the issue by creating stereotypes and further perpetuating anti-Black racism. Recognizing our privilege and using our voice to fight the oppression and police brutality towards the Black community is essential; staying silent towards anti-Black racism can no longer be an option. It is our responsibility to stand up to our fellow Asian Americans and speak up against cultural appropriation, using offensive, racist language, staying silent in times of injustice in the Black community, and much more.
Furthermore, being vocal about anti-Asian racism, but staying silent about anti-Black racism is also a major problem; solidarity is not a one way street. We all must stand together, and not only support, but further fight with the Black community. Historically, it was the Black community’s movement for civil rights that significantly influenced the Asian American communities and eventually paved the way for Asian American’s fight for civil rights. So, now it is long overdue that us Asian Americans must rise together with our fellow Black brothers and sisters, and fight with them for their justice. We must speak up and end the silence. We must no longer be bystanders in this horrific injustice. Silence is complicity. We must be the generation to end the ongoing cycle of anti-Black racism in our community. We cannot be scared to educate the older generations if they still hold racist sentiment, so do your part and start with your families. It may be a difficult conversation, but it is completely necessary for the greater good. Although every conversation is likely to be different with every family, here are some general tips on how to carry this conversation:
- Respectfully explain the responsibility you have to educate them on this topic and why it is important
Say their names: “George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Alton Sterling, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, and countless others” - Explain that the current riots and violence have come as a result of peaceful protests that were unsuccessful and outrage towards the racist American Justice system that has allowed countless unjust murders of Black people
- Mention the “Model Minority” and how the complacency towards it adds to the problem
State how “Black Lives Matter” doesn’t undermine the struggles of Asian immigrants and does not mean that other lives aren’t important, but that Black lives have been treated as if they don’t matter in our justice system for plentiful years and we need to support them - End with showing them ways that we can help (donating, petitions, etc.)
- Thank them for listening, tell them you love them and appreciate them for trying to have an open mind
Keep the conversation going even after that day, consistency is key to remind them and keep them in check to make sure they truly understand
The fight doesn’t stop at home. Spreading awareness elsewhere, voting, educating yourself, your friends and your peers, signing petitions, donating to the several charities and relief funds if you can, and supporting the Black community by being an ally at all times are all necessary to fight for change. Don’t just stop after that conversation with your family. Don’t just stop after that Instagram post. Don’t just stop after that petition or that donation. Keep speaking up and doing your part.
