A New Age for Asian America
Dear Asian Youth leaders share their advice and stories
On this week’s Modem Weekly, we feature Dear Asian Youth, a youth led magazine aimed towards Asian activism. Their mission is to empower Asian youth to be proud of their heritage, increase political engagement through education, and push the Asian narrative in the U.S.
As Asian American voices across the nation are finally being heard by media outlets and groups, we need to continue that momentum by taking lead from the youth. We sat down with the leaders of this organization to learn more about their experiences and mission.
Tell us the story behind Dear Asian Youth.
Stephanie: I began this organization after noticing a lack of social and political participation among Asian American youth. After joining Speech and Debate in the 8th grade, I used the platform to explore and raise awareness on various issues, including but not limited to eating disorders, the lack of enforcement of Title IX, and the stigma surrounding immigrants. As thankful as I was to be able to educate myself on these topics, I noticed that issues specific to Asian Americans were severely underrepresented. Our stories are unheard of, and our people under appreciated. I decided our community needed a platform that would push our narrative — and that platform is Dear Asian Youth.
What led you to get involved with this organization?
Sunna: Like many other Asian Americans, I grew up not feeling comfortable in my own skin and wanting to be more “white” like the other kids around me. It wasn’t until high school that I fully embraced my culture and found my place among a community of strong Asian American youth. When Stephanie came to me with her plans of starting an organization that worked to uplift and empower fellow Asians across the globe, it was a no-brainer. I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of Dear Asian Youth, so that I could have a platform to speak about the issues facing our community and inspire other Asian Americans to do the same.
Thooya: Unfortunately, as a girl of colour, I was never accepted by my community that was built off of a “white-washed” narrative — and, in other words, lacked representativity. I never felt like I belonged in the area that I lived in, and instead of blending in, I always stood out in all the wrong ways. I was questioned about my skin color, bullied for my culture and food choices, and overall disrespected for my appearance — a characteristic I could not control. However, in my teenage years, I finally decided to accept who I was as a young, brown girl in society and I wanted to take action to bring justice to the Asian community. I joined Dear Asian Youth because I knew that this organization would be the driving force behind every positive step I would take to advocate for racial equality. My mission is to leave hope behind for generations of Asian youth to come.
Agnes: I joined Dear Asian Youth because I wanted to raise awareness of the lack of Southeast Asian representation in the Asian American community. I feel like this topic is so brushed off in our society that I think Southeast Asians develop a subtle inferiority complex to East Asian. Due to the K-pop industry and the glorifying of East Asian beauty standards, Southeast Asians tend to succumb to these “ideal” standards and turn to dislike their natural features, like our darker skin tone and thicker lips. So in order to stand up against this toxic mentality in the Asian community, I decided to join this organization.
What would you say to those in leadership roles at this time?
Thooya: For prominent leaders who hold power at this time, please use it responsibly. Use your power when it is needed. Use it when you have privilege — never stay quiet for those who need your voice. Never abuse your power. Unfortunately, we live in a society today that refuses to acknowledge the evident issues regarding discrimination that numerous people are facing today. If you are a celebrity figure in the media, you must use your voice to fight for peace. If you can take anything from this, just understand that if you are neutral in situations of injustice, then you have chosen the side of the oppressor. In order to find a solution to the problems minority groups are encountering, those in power must feel comfortable being uncomfortable. Otherwise, who will speak for us when our lives are at stake?
Sunna: To the people in power, listen to our voices. You are in a position to bring reform to the issues that our country faces. Especially now, our country is divided and people are losing their lives fighting for what they believe in. How many more innocent lives must suffer before we see peace? The voices of minorities have been ignored for far too long, but you have the ability to change that.
Agnes: Instead of making ridiculous claims and discriminating against minorities, please work together to end this terrible pandemic that has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands. To political leaders, please start leading the people properly during these trying times. You have the capabilities to bring public awareness to social injustice, so please fight for us.
For young Asian girls who are growing up during this time, what is your life advice to them on how to navigate these uncertain, tense times?
Stephanie: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, xenophobia has reached an all time high. We’re seeing this anti-Asian sentiment erupt not only within the United States, but in lands far beyond our nation. I want to remind fellow Asians out there that you are not alone. We are all here with you, experiencing the same things as you, feeling the same pain as you. Your struggles will not go unrecognized. At Dear Asian Youth, we will make sure to share your story loud and clear.
Sunna: Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your voice can be so much more powerful than you think. There’s always going to be somebody who will try to undermine your strength, but know that you are not alone. As a community, we will make sure to support and fight alongside you.
Agnes: Dear Asian girls, please take care of yourselves. Your mental health and safety should be your most important priorities right now. Talk to friends and family members who can comfort you and validate your feelings. It’s okay to be exhausted, mentally or physically. Remind yourself that you are beautiful and that together, we will get through the day.
Thooya: Be fierce. Be strong. Be independent. During these difficult times, there will be people in this world who will attempt to take your spotlight. However, with darkness, comes light — and you will find it. Do not be afraid to challenge those who deny your existence, because you are so powerful. You are a force to be reckoned with.
Follow Dear Asian Youth on Instagram
Story reposted from medium.com/watercress
Weekly Recommendation
Remember to stay hydrated! For students caught up in schoolwork during the pandemic era, and for adults striving to balance numerous jobs and responsibilities, it is all too easy for us to forget to take care of our bodies. The next time you are confronted with a set of new obligations, it's helpful to use a moment to step back, take a deep breath, and drink some water.
That’s all for now!
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