have held for years in a day. However, we must acknowl- edge that it is a good start to initiate a conversation that can hopefully lead to a better understanding from both sides. Many arts and humanities classes delve into countless aspects of Asian history and culture, which you can then use to educate those who are suffering from ignorance. You can show them that terms like “China vi- rus” and “kung-flu” are not just playful words, and their words can have major emotional consequences. The arts and humanities can also provide you more than just conversation or debate skills. In arts and humanities courses, you are encouraged to speak and write freely about your opinions to engage in discussion with your colleagues. The more you participate, the more confi - dence you gain to speak in front of a larger audience. This is one way of how the arts and humanities are ex- tremely important in activism. To be an activist that can influence social or policy change, you must have the skills to capture and persuade your audience with a pow- erful message. To develop a powerful message, you must think critically about the issue. All of which cannot be done without knowledge in the arts and humanities. Thanks to the creation of countless social media, vio- lence against Asian-Americans is not going unnoticed. Your constant practice of literary analysis in your arts and humanity classes will give you the ability to discred- it misinformation on social media. You can engage in dis- cussions with your peers and share valuable posts from many activism accounts. If your school does not have a support group for Asian students, create one yourself! It only takes one person passionate enough to fight for a cause for others to join in. You can also join groups like STOP AAPI to report cases of discrimination. Hundreds of youths in California are creating escort groups to protect
Asian elders on their walks. It is crucial for everyone to become proactive in fighting against injustice, and you can start by taking more classes in the arts and humanities to equip yourself with the necessary skills and tools to combat ignorance. As a child, I was taught to only worry about myself. If someone else bothers you, physically attack them so that they won’t mess with you again. If someone else is being harassed, look away, because it would be too much of an inconvenience to intervene. In the Asian culture, we tend to keep feelings to our- selves. We pride ourselves in our stoic nature to not complain about hardship. As a result, our struggles are not heard and any injustices done to us are not noticed. We become a punching bag to everyone be- cause they know we will not stand up for ourselves. I write this essay with a heavy heart in hopes of pro- viding ways for the Asian youths to change the narra- tive to stand up for ourselves and our elders. Through the studies of arts and humanities, you can unlock ways to confront hatred and ignorance through critical thinking, social awareness, and leadership. It is not enough to only know about the Asian com- munity’s struggle. You should use what you know to promote change in your community. It can be done through social media by sharing and opening discus- sions with your peers. It can also be done by joining and creating support groups for Asian students. Yes, everything seems very daunting, but the arts and hu- manities will guide you to whatever goal you want to achieve. In a world full of hatred, it is important to not combat it with more hatred, but rather through reasoning and peaceful activism.
References
[1] Cole, Johnnetta B., et al. “Racism, Unrest, and the Role of the Museum Field: A Conversation at the American Alliance of Museums Virtual Annual Meeting (2020).” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 4 Sept. 2020,.
[2] Fairlie, Robert. “The Impact of COVID‐19 on Small Business Owners: Evidence from the First ThreeMonths after Widespread Social‐Distancing Restric - tions.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 27 Aug. 2020,
[3] Gao, Grace, and Linna Sai. “Opposing the Toxic Apartheid: The Painted Veil of the COVID‐19 Pandemic, Race and Racism.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 6 Sept. 2020, [4] Lah, Kyung. “Family of Thai Immigrant, 84, Says Fatal Attack 'Was Driven by Hate'.” CNN, Cable News Network, 16 Feb. 2021,
[5] Lang, Cady. “Asian American Attacks: What's Behind the Rise in Violence?” Time, Time, 18 Feb. 2021, time.com/5938482/asian-american-attacks/.
[6] Lim, Dion. “'Hard to Watch': Video Shows Brazen, Ambush-Style Attack on Older Asian Man inside SF Laundromat.” ABC7 San Francisco, KGO-TV, 4 Mar. 2021,
[7] Smith, Kelsie. “Hundreds of People Are Volunteering to Escort Elderly Asian Americans to Help Keep Them Safe.” CNN, Cable News Network, 15 Feb. 2021,
[8] Tessler, Hannah, et al. “The Anxiety of Being Asian American: Hate Crimes and Negative Biases During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” American Journal of Crimi- nal Justice, Springer US, 1 Jan. 1993,
[9] Turton, Nicholas. “Stop AAPI Hate: New Data on Anti-Asian Hate Incidents Against Elderly and Total National Incidents in 2020.” 2021,
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Arts & Humanities
Don’t Leave College Without Them
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