Yesterday, the hashtag #BeingAsian trended on Twitter for a good portion of the night. The conversation revolved around Asian-American identity; many people share their stories, their experiences, and sought to break down many persistent misconceptions.
The #BeingAsian conversation is much needed as it breaks many stereotypes about the Asian-American identity. While only representing 6% of the total U.S. population, Asian Americans are the nation’s fastest growing population segment. They are also an extremely diverse communities composed of 40 different ethnicities. #BeingAsian truly provides an eye opening and compelling spotlight on a community too many times painted with a single brush.
Being told I’m “too Asian” to be American.
Trying to navigate mainstream & progressive spaces where ppl endlessly assume things about #beingasian, without really knowing or listening.
#beingasian having to always remind people that south Asians are also a part of Asia & it’s not just China & Japan.
#BeingAsian means standing up with and for our Muslim, Sikh, Arab, and South Asian brothers and sisters in this time of bigotry and hate.
This is not the first time that the Asian American youth bring the identity conversation to Twitter. Last year in August 24, 2015, then 15 year old Jason Fong created #MyAsianAmericanStory in response to Jed Bush’s controversial comment about anchor babies. As of September 17, 2015, the tag has been used over 20,000 times!
The story has been trending so much that it was turned into a Twitter moment. But as rightfully stated by Christopher Kang, it is important to keep the conversation alive.