March 11, 2021
You Matter
Posted by Yuxin Sun, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, UWCC
It’s been almost a year since the pandemic started in the United States, and it has been a rough year for many of us. The Asian community not only has to face the pandemic, but also the rise of violence and hate against the community.
Going through your first-hand experience being a victim of discrimination, and seeing how your community is treated unfairly, can be exhausting. Especially seeing how the elders in the community, those who are trying so hard to not take up space and not be a “burden”, are being treated with violence and hate, can be disheartening.
You may feel sad, anxious, angry, tired, frustrated, confused, guilty, and all the other emotions. You may also feel helpless, hopeless, charged, rebellious, restless, and all the other reactions. With the model minority myth, you may even feel that you are invisible, your struggles are not real, your voice doesn’t matter, and your sufferings don’t exist to others. You may feel invalidated and even excluded.
I want you to know that your experience is real, and it matters; YOU are real, and YOU matter. You are a person of color, you are part of the BIPOC community, you also have to face racism, bias, and discrimination. I see what you are going through, I feel your struggles, and I hear your voices.
It is time to take care of yourself and your community. Take your time to love yourself and bring the validation from within. Don’t feel guilty for spending time to heal and replenish yourself. Social justice can look different based on your cultural background. When you are ready, in ways that are congruent with your cultural values, speak up for the community, break the model minority myth, fight against the silencing of the Asian community, join the anti-racism movement, and fight for all who are suffering from this unjust system. You are in charge of your experience, and you can make a difference.
Resources
WA State Information for Victims of Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents
WA State Victim Service Center Hotline: Call or Text 1-888-288-9221 or visit https://www.wacvschotline.org/
Crime Victims Compensation Program
King County Coalition Against Hate and Bias
Chinese Information and Service Center
Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority