By David Ho
Three Chingdoms
Over the past few weeks, two videos have surfaced of people making racial remarks to Asian drivers. One woman can be heard saying “This is my country, this is not a Chinese. Oh my god, Chinese ugly”. The other yells out “Go back to your country, bitch. Bye, China”.
These remarks aren’t particularly refreshing, almost as generic as messages found in fortune cookies. It’s the same type of insults elementary school children conjure up to impress others. The lack of creativity in their racist taunts almost left me disappointed.
What these incidents do illustrate, however, is serve as a reminder of how we are often perceived by the rest of America. James Ahn, a Korean American serviceman dedicated his life to what many consider as the quintessential American duty – defending the freedom of fellow Americans.
A sacrifices and bravery can’t be seen the way that his yellow skin can, so he’s scorned for not being from this country. Would she have said this if Ahn was Caucasian? Would a White person have to justify their worth and belonging in America with acts of valor, or is their white skin and American accent enough?
Race in America traditionally has been viewed through a Black and White lens. Race relations between White Americans and African Americans are defined by our shameful history, with the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow still permeating society today. It’s complex and deserves all the it currently receives.
But what about the rest of us who look more like Jackie Chan than Jackie Robinson? How many Americans know about Asian American history? How many Americans are aware of the Chinese Exclusion Act? How many know about the death of Vincent Chin?
The only time Asian Americans are viewed as undeniable American is when we shine in accomplishments in the name of America. See how quickly Chloe Kim is referred to as an American Olympic gold medalist, or Dr. David Ho an American Noble Prize winner. When should they go back to their country? We’ve been ticking off boxes for over 200 years but still can’t seem to reach the end of the All-American checklist.
Interestingly, in both incidents the victims stayed quiet during the altercation, and understandably so. I can’t say I would’ve acted any differently in the same situation. Asian Americans are often taught to avoid trouble and conflict regardless of which side of right and wrong they’re on – to be the model minority. This attitude can be traced back to immigrants’ fear of losing their right to remain in the country. I saw that fear in my parents and continue to see it today. The possibility of a moral victory isn’t worth the damage absorbed along the way. I applaud Sandra Lee’s calm demeanor to protect her children, and James Ahn’s decision to opt for the sensible path by reporting it to police despite falling on deaf ears.
But something needs to change. There are boatloads of us so we’re often seen but often unheard. I’m grateful for those on the front-line speaking on our behalf, from the 18 men and women in Congress to celebrities with a larger platform such as George Takei and Eddie Huang, but the rest of us need to speak louder in the face of racism. We can only absorb so many punches before our legs give out.
Many of our ancestors chose to come here not simply in pursuit of gold and riches, but for democracy and freedom. The freedoms America was founded on and allows us to speak up for are the same things we believe in. We may never look like what others define as American, but we need to speak loud enough until “your country” becomes “our country”.
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RE: 200 Years Later and Still Fresh Ziff the Boat:Beautifully stated. What a wonderful and refreshing piece to read