Addressing Racism: A Personal Experience
I want to share some thoughts on the racist encounters I’ve faced at school. Just to clarify, I’m Asian, specifically Chinese.
Recently, I experienced an upsetting situation during physical education class. Our class was divided into two teams, girls and boys, and my friends and I—who are all Asian—naturally joined the girls’ team. When our teacher asked us to discuss strategies, one girl suggested, “The Asians should be the sacrifices! There are exactly four of them anyway.”
My friends and I were taken aback, and one of them even pushed me to the front along with the others. I simply responded that I wouldn’t be a sacrifice. I chose not to escalate the situation to avoid unnecessary drama. As the class continued, I overheard other girls saying things like, “What kind of Asian are they? Japanese? Konnichiwa.” I tried to ignore them for the rest of the lesson.
Later, when we were in the changing room, a Chinese girl from another class came in to use the restroom. The other girls, excluding my friends, started throwing things over the cubicle and banging on the door. I wanted to intervene, but I was genuinely frightened they might retaliate. The Chinese girl didn’t speak much English, and when she came out, she pushed the girl who was banging and quickly left.
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. There have been many similar occurrences, and I’m left feeling unsure about how to handle it. For now, I guess I’ll keep my head down and focus on getting through school until I can distance myself from this negativity.
I’m really sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. What you experienced sounds extremely hurtful and unfair. No one should have to deal with racist comments or bullying, especially in a place that should feel safe like school. It’s understandable to feel conflicted about how to respond, but ignoring it doesn’t make it go away, and it’s not something you should have to just “suck up.”
Here are a few things you could consider:
Talk to Someone: If you feel comfortable, consider talking to a teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult about what’s been happening. They can help address the behavior and work towards creating a more inclusive environment.
Support Each Other: It’s great that you have friends who share similar experiences. Lean on each other for support and discuss how to handle situations together. There’s strength in numbers.
Document Incidents: Keep a record of the incidents, including what was said and done, when it happened, and who was involved. This information can be useful if you decide to report it.
Engage in Positive Conversations: Sometimes, addressing comments calmly can help. If you feel safe doing so, you could try addressing the behavior directly, perhaps by asking the person why they said that or sharing how it made you feel.
Find Allies: Seek out others in your school who may not be involved in the racist behavior but would stand up against it. Building a network of allies can help empower you and your friends.
Focus on Yourself: It’s tough, but try to focus on your own well-being. Engage in activities you enjoy and surround yourself with people who appreciate and respect you.
Remember, you deserve to feel safe and respected, and what those other students did is not a reflection of you or your worth. It’s important to stand against racism, whether it’s through speaking up, seeking help, or finding supportive spaces. Your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone in this.
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with such openness. It takes a lot of courage to confront and discuss the racism we encounter, especially in environments that are supposed to be safe and supportive, like schools.
Your account highlights the concerning impact of microaggressions and overt racism that can deeply affect not just the targets but also the broader community. It’s crucial for educational institutions to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect, and it’s disheartening to see that this hasn’t been your experience.
One significant way to address these issues is by initiating conversations about diversity and inclusion within the school setting. Perhaps discussing with a trusted teacher or school counselor could lead to workshops or educational assemblies that promote understanding and empathy among students. It’s important that everyone—students and educators alike—understand the power of their words and the importance of standing against bullying and racism.
You’re not alone in this, and reaching out for support could make a difference. Organizations that focus on anti-bullying and racial discrimination advocacy can provide resources or even mentorship programs that empower students who face similar challenges. Remember, your voice and experience matter, and bringing them to light can inspire change not just for yourself, but for others struggling with similar situations. Stay strong, and know that there are many people who stand with you against racism.