Which minority should we model? The Wampanoag, who taught the British to plant corn and other crops, saving them from starvation? The Iroquois whose democratic ways inspired Ben Franklin and others? The Cherokee of New Echota in Georgia, who formed … Continue reading Model Minority? Which Model Minority?
The term “model minority” is usually associated with people of Asian descent. It originated in the 1940s during World War II, when China became an ally of the United States, and the Chinese were seen as “good” Asians compared to … Continue reading You’re one of the “model” ones…
Chameleons have the unique ability to blend into their environments and backgrounds to avoid detection by predators. It’s a mechanism of survival. They can change colors at will and go unnoticed so as not to stand out and draw attention … Continue reading Chameleons for Hire
Many people don’t realize, however, that stereotyping Asians as smart and hardworking can also put pressure on Asian students to live up to the unfair standards of academic excellence others expect of them. Lucy Liu In the 1940s, two Black … Continue reading Debunking the Model Minority Myth
My uncle James was a decorated veteran in the Air Force and he was my father’s oldest brother. James and Eugene (my father) were very close and my father trusted James dearly. Every summer, I was put on an airplane … Continue reading Myths in America
She was petite, smart, reserved, and fit the obnoxiously bigoted stereotype of a “China doll.” She was hardworking and compliant, and her grades in school were outstanding. Oh, and yes, she was also great at math. But everyone already knew … Continue reading Perfect Secrets
Add some color to your carols and learn about the stories behind the songs. Continue reading Dreaming of a Black Christmas, part 1: Chuck Berry & Rudolph’s Run
Add some color to your carols and learn a little about the stories behind the songs. Continue reading Dreaming of a Black Christmas, part 2: Ghetto Claus
The man’s conversation was basically a set of talking points. He presented them to me in the form of questions and what at first sounded like concerned observations. They were focused on his perceptions of Black people. Not his exact … Continue reading Talking Points
Three-Fifths 