Chicago Flame: March 4, 2003

Not Another Quietly Submissive Asian, Please
Guest Opinion

By Sunny Hu

Last week's RedEye comic strip titled "Secret Asian Man" illustrated a Civil Rights Path with the footprints of different movements from the past, "fueled by black civil rights movement, gay rights groups, animal activists." Suddenly, Sam, the main character of the strip, turns to his guide and poses this question, "Where are the Asian foot prints?"

Too many times Asian-American students complain and gripe about the racism they encounter, yet they fail to speak up for their rights. From the lack of representation in virtually every aspect of America to little jokes and comments uttered carelessly by classmates, Asian-Americans fall short of implementing action to the grievances that reach only the ears of fellow Asians.

One would think by existing as the largest minority on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, at least one Asian-American would form a student organization to get other underrepresented Asian-Americans together and crank up the volume on the need for their representation.

Yet as 2003 rolls around and finally the Asian American Coalition Committee is finally gaining a foothold on the climb toward the seemingly impossible top floor of University Hall, where the chancellor resides, one can hear complaints of their success already.

Utterances such as "Why do the Asians need a culture center or a resource center?" can be overheard in Chicago Circle Center. From these ignorant whines, one can observe the stereotype the majority of the population holds toward Asian-Americans: successful, hardworking, great in science, math and quietly submissive.

And since Asian-Americans are all successful, why would they need help or any recognition at all? News flash! There are no races in existence that are compiled entirely of successful people.

Yes, there are "dumb" Asians (like myself). And yes, they, too, need representation. Instead of hiding behind and contributing to the stereotypical Asian, we should take a stand for our people, who are too often forgotten.

Action does not always involve speaking in front of large audiences; it could be as simple as writing for the university paper (hint) or participating in class discussions toward this issue. So contribute, get involved and remove yourself from the circle of comfort composed of your fellow Asians.

Don't get me wrong. I, too, struggle with being satiated by the comfort of the commonalities my Asian friends and I share. They understand why my parents are so strangely stingy, strict and overbearing.

But by removing ourselves from the diversity in which we exist in at UIC, by not sharing our differing ideals and culture with the majority of the population, we strip ourselves of the opportunity to be heard and we eradicate the chance for others to have their prejudice meet reality and prepare themselves for the world that exists beyond Harrison and Halsted streets.

There is a reason there are differing cultures and color of skin that complete this world we live in. That is to educate, to validate and to experience the lessons that mistakes offer.

But unless we give others a chance, unless we give ourselves a chance to step beyond the boundary our personalities and stereotypes set, they will continue to entrap us in this helpless stage.

Change does not occur merely with complaints, but through actions that give them voice and life. Our African-American brothers and sisters paved the way toward change in racial injustice in America. It's about time we, too, took up this burden alongside the struggle and lend them a hand.

Asian American Awareness Month and the events prepared during this month is a great opportunity to get your feet dirty down the "Civil Rights Path". So go. Attend. Whether it's listening to speakers and fellow students who have the courage to take a stand, or talking to that guy or girl of a differing culture sitting next to you in BIO 101, do something.

If we have been able to bear all the long speeches our parents threw at us when they found out we only got accepted to UIC (this excludes GPPA students), I believe we have the strength to take part in stepping out of our comfort zones and take on racial discrimination in America together.

Staff writer Sunny Hu can be reached at shu@chicagoflame.com