The U.S. recently achieved a major milestone on Congresswoman Judy Chu's resolution of regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, H. Res 683. The bill passed unanimously in the House of Representatives and the Senate! To watch this historic moment, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVEKx9um_jY&feature=youtu.be
To refer to some of the national press coverage, check out these clips:
L.A. Times - http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-house-apology-chinese-immigrants-20120618,0,7467392.story
CNN - http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/19/in-rare-apology-house-regrets-exclusionary-laws-targeting-chinese/?hpt=us_bn1
During the California Gold Rush, the Chinese immigrated to the U.S. to help build America. During the economic downturn, the Chinese served as scapegoats and congress eventually created the Chinese Exclusion Act to prevent these "Mongloids" from entering the U.S. Many thanks to Congresswoman Judy Chu for helping the U.S. to take a step towards righting this injustice.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Did you know that July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month? Why is this important? Certain cultural groups do not discuss mental health issues due to the fear of stigma and the double minority status (for example, being an ethnic minority person with a mental illness).
How do we combat the stigma associated with double minority status? Speaking out through awareness campaigns would be one of the ways to fight such stereotypes. Thus, designating July as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month gives our communities an avenue to voice our perspectives and educate the public.
There are excellent organizations formed with the intentions of reducing such barriers. Check out the websites below for more information.
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Multicultural_Support1&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=111375
http://nned.net/index-nned.php/NNED_content/news_announcement/nmmham-webinar-II
How do we combat the stigma associated with double minority status? Speaking out through awareness campaigns would be one of the ways to fight such stereotypes. Thus, designating July as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month gives our communities an avenue to voice our perspectives and educate the public.
There are excellent organizations formed with the intentions of reducing such barriers. Check out the websites below for more information.
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Multicultural_Support1&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=111375
http://nned.net/index-nned.php/NNED_content/news_announcement/nmmham-webinar-II
Saturday, June 23, 2012
DREAM act
President Obama offers temporary relief to DREAMers, 12% of which are Asian Americans . Refer to the recent correspondence below by APALC (The Asian Pacific American Legal Center) for more information.
APALC to Help Undocumented Youth, Warns of Potential Fraud
Neidi Dominguez (right) from DREAM TEAM Los Angeles speaks about DREAMer relief accompanied by APALC Executive Director Stewart Kwoh at a news conference on Tuesday.
In light of President Barack Obama’s recent announcement about temporary relief for DREAMers, APALC will help undocumented Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth determine if they qualify for relief from deportation from the country.
On June 15th, President Obama announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s order allowing certain young undocumented immigrants to be able to apply for work authorization and be safe from deportation for a period of two years, subject to renewal. The Obama administration announced this policy shift after organizing and mobilization by DREAMers in Los Angeles and across the country who called upon the President to grant them administrative relief according them temporary legal status.
The Obama administration estimates that approximately 800,000 young immigrants will be affected by this deferred action policy. AAPIs compose about 12 percent of these DREAMers.
To address specific questions about the requirements and process of applying for relief, APALC has put together an FAQ:
Immigrants who think they may qualify for relief and live in southern California are encouraged to start collecting their documentation and contact APALC for questions at (888) 349-9695 and at info@apalc.org. APALC also can be contacted in the following languages:
“We are concerned there may be some immigration consultants who may say they can help undocumented immigrants but only after paying a fee,” Noche said. “We would warn community members not to contact these ‘notarios’ and instead call us for questions.”
Youth who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible to apply, on a case-by-case basis, for deferred action and work authorization for a period of two years, subject to renewal:
APALC is committed to helping thousands of undocumented young DREAMers. The Asian Pacific American Legal Center, a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice, is the nation’s largest Asian American legal and civil rights organization and serves more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year.
APALC to Help Undocumented Youth, Warns of Potential Fraud
Neidi Dominguez (right) from DREAM TEAM Los Angeles speaks about DREAMer relief accompanied by APALC Executive Director Stewart Kwoh at a news conference on Tuesday.
In light of President Barack Obama’s recent announcement about temporary relief for DREAMers, APALC will help undocumented Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth determine if they qualify for relief from deportation from the country.
On June 15th, President Obama announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s order allowing certain young undocumented immigrants to be able to apply for work authorization and be safe from deportation for a period of two years, subject to renewal. The Obama administration announced this policy shift after organizing and mobilization by DREAMers in Los Angeles and across the country who called upon the President to grant them administrative relief according them temporary legal status.
The Obama administration estimates that approximately 800,000 young immigrants will be affected by this deferred action policy. AAPIs compose about 12 percent of these DREAMers.
To address specific questions about the requirements and process of applying for relief, APALC has put together an FAQ:
Immigrants who think they may qualify for relief and live in southern California are encouraged to start collecting their documentation and contact APALC for questions at (888) 349-9695 and at info@apalc.org. APALC also can be contacted in the following languages:
- Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) - 800.520.2356
- Khmer - 800.867.3126
- Korean - 800.867.3126
- Thai - 800.914.9583
- Vietnamese - 800.267.7395
“We are concerned there may be some immigration consultants who may say they can help undocumented immigrants but only after paying a fee,” Noche said. “We would warn community members not to contact these ‘notarios’ and instead call us for questions.”
Youth who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible to apply, on a case-by-case basis, for deferred action and work authorization for a period of two years, subject to renewal:
- Came to the United States under the age of 16;
- Have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;
- Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
- Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
- Are not over the age of 30.
APALC is committed to helping thousands of undocumented young DREAMers. The Asian Pacific American Legal Center, a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice, is the nation’s largest Asian American legal and civil rights organization and serves more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Linsanity
Who is Jeremy Lin? There's certainly been a lot of buzz about this intelligent athlete. Why? Perhaps because he's helped to defy some of the stereotypes about Asian American males. In case you haven't heard, here's a little blurb to help you become more acquainted with "Linsanity." http://diverseeducation.com/article/12604/
For a more intimate look at the Jeremy Lin prior to all the Knicks hype, here's a day in the life of our protagonist:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLzrLXQIbwM
Of course, all the praises are not unnoticed by some backlash as well.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Is-Lin-Sanity-Getting-Lin-Sensitive-/139767573 (If you have difficulties pulling up the video using the link, try typing in "Jeremy Lin" at the site's search option.)
What do you think of all the hype? Has Jeremy Lin helped to break down stereotypes? Will the backlash lead to even more controversy? The world shall have to wait and see...
For a more intimate look at the Jeremy Lin prior to all the Knicks hype, here's a day in the life of our protagonist:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLzrLXQIbwM
Of course, all the praises are not unnoticed by some backlash as well.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Is-Lin-Sanity-Getting-Lin-Sensitive-/139767573 (If you have difficulties pulling up the video using the link, try typing in "Jeremy Lin" at the site's search option.)
What do you think of all the hype? Has Jeremy Lin helped to break down stereotypes? Will the backlash lead to even more controversy? The world shall have to wait and see...
Monday, February 6, 2012
Anti-Asian Bullying
Bullying takes on many forms (e.g., physical, verbal, cyber, etc.). The effects can be devastating, as evidenced by recent suicides (http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/17/opinion-what-the-deaths-of-two-soldiers-say-about-anti-asian-bullying/?hpt=us_bn1). Why do people bully? Who is usually targeted? How can bullying be prevented?
There is a myth that bullies have low self-esteem, however there is evidence that they can be quite confident and charismatic. Victims can be targeted for a variety of reasons, including race, religion, gender, personal disposition. It's important to note that victims are do not provoke the bullying and do not deserve to be treated in such a demeaning manner. Effects of bullying can be social isolation, depression/anxiety, and overall feelings of hopelessness. By-standers who do nothing to intervene can create an atmosphere of tolerance for such abusive behaviors, thus exacerbating the victim's sense of helplessness. A no-tolerance policy for bullying is an effective way to stop bullying, however this needs to be enforced at all levels. Talk to someone in charge and don't stop until soemone listens. That's what students at a high school did until school administrators could create a safe learning environment for them. No one deserves to be bullied.
There is a myth that bullies have low self-esteem, however there is evidence that they can be quite confident and charismatic. Victims can be targeted for a variety of reasons, including race, religion, gender, personal disposition. It's important to note that victims are do not provoke the bullying and do not deserve to be treated in such a demeaning manner. Effects of bullying can be social isolation, depression/anxiety, and overall feelings of hopelessness. By-standers who do nothing to intervene can create an atmosphere of tolerance for such abusive behaviors, thus exacerbating the victim's sense of helplessness. A no-tolerance policy for bullying is an effective way to stop bullying, however this needs to be enforced at all levels. Talk to someone in charge and don't stop until soemone listens. That's what students at a high school did until school administrators could create a safe learning environment for them. No one deserves to be bullied.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Bicultural Holidays
How does East meet West when living in a bicultural society? It appears that those who have learned to take parts of both cultures have a better chance at integrating aspects into a fusion culture. Consider how some of the finest cuisines in the world manage to unique aspects of two cultures to create an original taste, such as the Southern California Kogi Truck (http://kogibbq.com/) sensation.
One can also see how this can be the case for celebrating holidays. Consider the modern twist on a traditional lion dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=053S4B5J0is. What are some other examples of products when East meets West?
One can also see how this can be the case for celebrating holidays. Consider the modern twist on a traditional lion dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=053S4B5J0is. What are some other examples of products when East meets West?
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
To disclose or not to disclose? That is the question.
Do you check off your ethnicity when applying for a job or admission to a school/organization? Some college hopefuls have decided that it may be in their best interest not to disclose their Asian heritage. Why would some applicants intentionally keep their ethnicity to themselves? Read on to get a sense of what some people have experienced when it comes to college entrance strategies.
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Some-Asians-college-strategy-Don-t-check-Asian-2342006.php#page-1
What would you do? Are there any institutional or societal changes that may need to be considered so that one can claim who they are?
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Some-Asians-college-strategy-Don-t-check-Asian-2342006.php#page-1
What would you do? Are there any institutional or societal changes that may need to be considered so that one can claim who they are?