Asian Mama Journal

October is Global Diversity Awareness Month! 

When I was in college, I did a research on diversity and inclusion (click to read). In particular, I looked into how stereotyping on Asian Americans affects their perceived competence and promotability in workplace. While we are all probably very familiar with what negative stereotype is, do you know that there is also such thing called positive stereotype?

If you are an Asian, have you ever come across comments or ideas like, “you are Asian, you must have straight As and good at math”, “Asians are very obedient, hard-working and submissive”, or “Asians are the model minority”? These are all positive categorical associations that the perceivers make of a particular group membership, which is Asian Americans in this case.

Positive stereotyping seems to be a compliment to a particular group, but many studies have indicated that it actually kills diversity…

Around the time of #aapiheritagemonth, we were bombarded by a lot of provocative and devastating actions that destroy the peace and tranquility of the society I was still dealing with a lot of postpartum adjustments back then; and was lost with words because I didn’t understand why all those sad events happened one after another. Deep inside, not only was I disappointed that my research findings were further validated, I was also upset that there is no quick fix to the situation. I felt like even though I completed my research, I still didn’t have an answer to every question that might be raised by the community.

And now, I think I am ready to let go and acknowledge that perhaps there really is no quick fix to everything that we are dealing with as a society. Diversity takes time to build. It takes mutual respect, patience, understanding and openness. It takes concerted efforts and acknowledgement that diversity is important for the growth of a society.

I brought my research paper along with me and re-read it this week as a little reminder to myself on the importance of this cause. And I am grateful that I am standing next to many giants who are dedicated to this cause.

Happy Global Diversity Awareness Month everyone! Thank you for reading this loonggg thought of mine till the very end!