Editor’s Note: This Week Future view discusses the relationship between Asian Americans and social justice movements. Next week we will be asking, “Should companies require employees or customers to show vaccination records to enter their premises? Should the government insist? “Students can click here to submit opinions of less than 250 words before April 6th. The best answers will be published that night.
Allies of convenience
The social justice movement has suddenly shown an interest in violence and discrimination against my community, the Americans of Asia. However, this interest was only aroused when the anti-Asian hatred could be framed as an expression of “white supremacy” after the terrible mass murder in Atlanta. The broader history of violence and discrimination against Asians is much more complex.
We learn to grow up to keep our heads down and work hard. That mentality has paid off: Asian-Americans rank highest of all groups on standardized tests and median income. On average, we score more than 100 points more than white SAT consumers and earn around 22,000 US dollars more than white households. Unfortunately, top universities use discriminatory tactics to keep us less eligible for admission – in the name of racial diversity and justice. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio takes part in rallies and speaks platitudes against anti-Asian prejudice. At the same time, he’s trying to change the admission guidelines at specialized high schools to allow for a “more diverse” student body, which means fewer Asians.
