Dear Liz Lin,
Your article about Asian Americans and their status in society is a very important conversation to have, especially considering the social climate regarding privilege and the political response or lack thereof. In a time when race relations in the United States once again dominate news sources, talk shows, and common conversation, it is incredibly powerful for those who owe the most privileged sect of society nothing to admit their own shortcomings. Although progressive discussion and comprehensive legislation is occurring in our government, the anti-PC social movement is mobilizing at the exact same rate with just as much agency. The common argument against movements like Black Lives Matter and the Women's March is that this idea of privilege is painting white people, specifically white men, as horrible and minorities as flawless people. While many know this to be false, an example like yours--where a person at the intersection of female and asian identities can acknowledge the ways they benefit from society's perception of them, and how they can combat that privilege to make life fairer for everybody--has the poignancy and the uniqueness to shift opposing viewpoints. While I'm sad to say that the oppressor cannot always recognize their own shortcomings, by taking note of and taking action against the sometimes overlooked privilege of certain minorities, you have made a strong case for a valiant cause,
Sincerely,
Luca MacDougall
Your article about Asian Americans and their status in society is a very important conversation to have, especially considering the social climate regarding privilege and the political response or lack thereof. In a time when race relations in the United States once again dominate news sources, talk shows, and common conversation, it is incredibly powerful for those who owe the most privileged sect of society nothing to admit their own shortcomings. Although progressive discussion and comprehensive legislation is occurring in our government, the anti-PC social movement is mobilizing at the exact same rate with just as much agency. The common argument against movements like Black Lives Matter and the Women's March is that this idea of privilege is painting white people, specifically white men, as horrible and minorities as flawless people. While many know this to be false, an example like yours--where a person at the intersection of female and asian identities can acknowledge the ways they benefit from society's perception of them, and how they can combat that privilege to make life fairer for everybody--has the poignancy and the uniqueness to shift opposing viewpoints. While I'm sad to say that the oppressor cannot always recognize their own shortcomings, by taking note of and taking action against the sometimes overlooked privilege of certain minorities, you have made a strong case for a valiant cause,
Sincerely,
Luca MacDougall
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