In the course of the past several months, race has become a prevalent issue for me personally. As one that identifies as API, I was all too aware of the anti-discriminatory perspectives on Asians with COVID. But my awareness was expanded with racial injustice starting with George Flloyd. In truth, racism and racial injustice have existed throughout my life; but there was a personal tipping point where this became something I couldn't defend intellectually. That I needed to take a look at my part, my implicit bias, in how I might perpetuate racism in my personal life. That might be not speaking up when I hear a racist or discriminatory remark, not looking at my own personal implicit bias with other people of color outside my race, or ignoring what my personal privilege has afforded me.
This has provided me with a safe space and foundation to explore and learn about racism, to address racism with practical tips in my personal conversations, and the implications of my life commitment as a anti-racist. I liked especially the Youtube video in this third module about how racism is not like removing one's tonsils. It's a life-long process to maintain personal hygiene; AND there is nothing wrong with pointing out in a friendly manner, hey did you know that you have food in your teeth if I hear a racist remark. It doesn't have to be rooted in shame or guilt; I learned practical ways to address racism in my personal life.
