flak

Okay, so I’ve been getting a bit of flak about my blog from some haters, saying “I know a lot of Asians.  They don’t have this opinion.”  Because you read minds?  And you really know what their opinions are, right?  Did you ever stop and think they may not be voicing their opinion to you?  And no, it’s not because we’re submissive or non-confrontational.  It’s actually because we can’t be bothered to clue yet another person in on his/her so called, "well intentioned" myopia. 
 
But wait, the commentary goes further.  “Can I be completely honest?”  Are you ever not speaking out?  “A lot of top jobs are held by Asians.  Take my doctor, for instance.  In fact, all the Asians at my kid’s school are getting the top honors.  My kids are the ones at a disadvantage!”  (Mind you, the written word doesn’t do vocal inflections justice.  So I will have to parenthesize this by saying the exclamation is there to dilute the blatant racist comment you made with the implied, “I’m kidding.”) 
 
So this is positive, right? You’re saying all Asians are smart and good at school.  No, because it’s still a stereotype. Whether you like it or not, positive stereotypes are also there to make a giant population of people continue to feel other.  Regardless of intent, a stereotype exists to separate.  Not all of us Asians want to be doctors, lawyers and go into finance.  Hell, ask my mom about my report card!  I was certainly not on the honor roll.
 
So next time you’re at a restaurant and the bill comes, please don’t turn to your token Asian friend and ask, “What’s the tip?”  Not all of us are math geniuses or in IT.