When I was younger, I used to think that being Asian American meant I had to eat certain foods and follow specific customs, but I’ve learned over the years that being Asian American can mean many things to many people. May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! This month provides a special time for all Asian cultures to be recognized and celebrated.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in hateful incidents directed towards many Asian communities. Like many of my friends and family, I was scared and felt self-conscious of being Asian. It took time for me to recognize that many were scared of what is considered unfamiliar to them. I think one of the best ways to #StopAsianHate is to take time to educate yourself and others about different cultures.
In the past few years, I’ve found small ways to educate myself on Asian history and celebrate different Asian cultures. Last year I read a book written by an Asian author and attended an AAPI Night Market for the first time. While I may not be able to attend this year’s AAPI Night Market, I do plan on celebrating Asian cultures in smaller ways. I’m planning to try out a few AAPI led podcasts and support Asian vendors at different points throughout the year.
I’m not suggesting that one should go out of the way to learn about all the different Asian cultures, as there are many of them, but just to embrace the cultural experiences when they come up! I think this can be applied to all cultures, not just Asian cultures, and all should be appreciated. When something unfamiliar comes up, be open, be curious, and ask about the cultural background or significance of the custom, food, or tradition. Chances are, others will be happy that you asked! Just take a moment to explore and learn more about different cultures. It’s in little ways that we can celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!
In celebration,
Courtney Ma
FACES Sacramento Program Coordinator