Representation Leads to Belonging

I wonder if I am the only one that feels the juxtaposition of the media spotlighting Asian Americans winning Winter Olympic medals while constantly reminding us that many Americans are calling to boycott the games because China is the host country. Is it because I am Asian American that I feel this way? Am I allowed to be proud of my country of origin even though I disagree with its government???

Belonging?has been a prominent word used today in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) discussions. Many companies have adopted the term ‘belonging’ to the titles of their DEI efforts and positions. Belonging is very subjective. People need different things to feel belong. One of my colleagues said, “If inclusion is being asked to the dance, then belonging is feeling OK whether or not you show up or dance.” In other words, if you feel belonging, it would not matter if you were invited to the dance. You would show up on your own.?

My nine-year old son put on a red shirt and told me that his school asked the kids to dress in the colors of the country that they were cheering for during the Winter Olympics. He declared that he was cheering for China proudly. My unspoken reaction made me question how much I feel belonging. My head immediately went to an assumption bias, wondering if he would be teased or bullied for being proud of being Chinese amidst all the bad press from the Olympic protests and the ongoing blame for the coronavirus. No one harassed my son. So why did I go there? I realized how fragile the feeling of belonging is for me, and likely for many other Asian Americans.

Growing up in America as a Chinese immigrant, I have experienced both unconscious biases and overt racism. Yes, I have been told to go back where I came from by strangers on the street. Yes, when we first immigrated to America, I was desperate to assimilate rather than acculturate so I would feel belonging. On the other hand, I also experienced criticism for my inability to speak Mandarin from people in China when I went there for vacation. In their minds, I was not genuinely Chinese because I was Americanized. Being Asian American can be a constant reminder of not fully belonging anywhere.

Incredible athletes, such as Nathan Chen and Chole Kim, stood proudly on the podium, winning gold medals for the United States of America while receiving racist tropes on social media. Meanwhile, Zhu Yi, an American who skated for China’s Olympic team, was ridiculed incessantly by Chinese social media for her poor performance, saying she should have never have taken the place of national athletes. Eileen Gu has been tap dancing with the media about her American and Chinese heritages. All four Olympic athletes have worked so hard and achieved so much. But because they have the dual identities of being Asian and American, they carry that much more pressure on their shoulders.??

Representation?in DEI terms is the ability to see diversity represented in a group. Everyone feels more belonging when they see someone that looks and sounds like them. My seven-year-old daughter is shy in a new setting until she sees other girls in a group. Top-performing professionals of diverse backgrounds pay attention to the diversity of the workforce and leadership when job hunting. Customers seek providers and sellers with representation that make them more confident and comfortable.

There is no doubt in my mind that the current Asian American winter Olympic champions were fans of Michelle Quan and Kristi Yamaguchi when they were children. Michelle and Kristi were trailblazers who inspired Asian American children to feel belonging when ice skating. It had been so significant that more Asian Americans have become upstanders rather than bystanders in the past two years. So many Asian Americans from Hollywood to boardrooms found their voice and raised support against Asian hate crimes.

I want to thank every Asian American who has blazed the trail and achieved greatness. You overcame the challenges of your dual identities and boldly became your best selves. Whether you won an Olympic gold medal, starred in a Hollywood blockbuster, took your company to a successful IPO, became a leader in your community, or were promoted to a manager at your job, you have shown other Asian Americans the art of the possible. I also want to thank all those non-Asian Americans who have supported our rise to representation by not being biased, not asking us to be 'model minorities,' and being Americans who stand for what is right and just. I know there is hardship in being an Asian American trailblazer and a DEI champion. Thank you for being brave and standing up.

Your work is not done. We are still experiencing hate crimes against Asian Americans every day. Asian Americans are hurting and afraid. Asian American representation now will lead to more belonging later. We need more trailblazers and supporters so that my son, daughter, and other Asian American children will feel belonging and confidence to become the best versions of themselves and future champions. Keep blazing. Keep championing.