ChicagoFlame.com - 3/4/03

Not another quietly submissive Asian, please
Guest Opinion
By Sunny Hu

Last week's RedEye comic strip titled "Secret Asian Man" illustrated a Civil Rights Path with the footprints of different movements from the past, "fueled by black civil rights movement, gay rights groups, animal activists." Suddenly, Sam, the main character of the strip, turns to his guide and poses this question, "Where are the Asian foot prints?"
Too many times Asian-American students complain and gripe about the racism they encounter, yet they fail to speak up for their rights. From the lack of representation in virtually every aspect of America to little jokes and comments uttered carelessly by classmates, Asian-Americans fall short of implementing action to the grievances that reach only the ears of fellow Asians.

One would think by existing as the largest minority on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, at least one Asian-American would form a student organization to get other underrepresented Asian-Americans together and crank up the volume on the need for their representation.

Yet as 2003 rolls around and finally the Asian American Coalition Committee is finally gaining a foothold on the climb toward the seemingly impossible top floor of University Hall, where the chancellor resides, one can hear complaints of their success already.

Utterances such as "Why do the Asians need a culture center or a resource center?" can be overheard in Chicago Circle Center. From these ignorant whines, one can observe the stereotype the majority of the population holds toward Asian-Americans: successful, hardworking, great in science, math and quietly submissive.
And since Asian-Americans are all successful, why would they need help or any recognition at all? News flash! There are no races in existence that are compiled entirely of successful people.

Yes, there are "dumb" Asians (like myself). And yes, they, too, need representation. Instead of hiding behind and contributing to the stereotypical Asian, we should take a stand for our people, who are too often forgotten.