What Does It Mean to Take Back Your Narrative?

As AASA celebrates Asian American Awareness month with the theme, ‘A New Chapter,’ we all have a chance to ponder what this new chapter entails. I think it’s an opportunity to take back our story. Rather than being a side character, forever doomed to the periphery, it’s a chance for Asian Americans to stake their claim as the hero in the American story.

The ‘Model Minority’ stereotype and the ‘Perpetual Foreigner’ myth have forced Asian Americans into a box, where we are static characters with predictable futures- medicine, law, engineering; constrained by a very rigid understanding of capability- always upper-middle but never the best.

It’s time we took back our narrative and molded it for ourselves. And if we stand together and write this story, systemic and entrenched bigotry and ignorance will no longer have the power to define us.

But only if we stand together and fight. 

It’s true that we’ve come a long way. The chapters past tell a story of mighty struggle and incredible victories. We have defeated our captors that brought us here in indentured servitude. We have overcome racial bans on immigration. We have fought for and obtained the right to citizenship.

But we must not grow apathetic or comfortable. Not when Sikh Americans/South Asians are subjected to violent hate crimes. Not when we are denied admission to the best universities because it would threaten the Caucasian majorities these institutions have long maintained. Not when we’re passed over again and again for lead roles in entertainment, corporations, and public service.

Instead, it’s time to be angry.

It’s time to join together to change the system from within. It’s time to peacefully but firmly express outrage against injustices experienced by any community of color. 

It’s time to rise.

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Please join AASA for the celebration of Asian American Awareness Month. 

You can participate in our social campaign, and share how you’re taking back your narrative with the hashtag #I’mTheHero

We also have a number of other events to build solidarity within our community, while showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of our community:

 1.       Southeast Regional Conference for Asian American Leaders; March 18-20, Student Center

2.       Art Show: Submissions Accepted until banquet

3.       Field Day; Saturday April 2^nd, 2016 from 2-5 pm, SAC Fields #3

4.       Spring Banquet; Tuesday April 5^th, 2016 from 7 to 9 pm, Student Success Center President’s Suite B