Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

[Joshman]

Thanks for sharing as well! It’s so interesting because I grew up in Santa Cruz in the 80’s. Nothing mattered except what recreational sport you did: surfing, skating, sports, MTB’ing, or for me - BMX riding (heck, I’m 46 and still ride BMX). Things got more complex in HS, because it got into academics - but let’s be honest, Santa Cruz is white and very liberal. That’s all that mattered. I hung out with kids according to our similar interests and none of us cared what color we were. Seriously, one of us looked at race. I didn’t have Asian peers. Wait, I had two. See? I had to think of them as Asian because that’s how much I regard them as them as unique individuals before their racial makeup.

Filipinos always assume I speak Tagalog and I don’t. I don’t even care to. And when I tell them I was born here, they look down on me. Worse off, they say “Oh... dats how jor parents rays joo”. White folks always ask me about pancit and lumpia. While my mom cooks those things, my mom can also make a mean lasagna. Does it make it Filipino if we eat it with rice?

My cousins lived in the Bay Area, and yeah, I saw that races were definitely segregated there. Not by some old white man sitting on top of a pile of money, but THEY segregated themselves. I couldn’t understand that. It made no sense. I’m like “don’t you hang out with people who are not Filipino? Why not???!”

I completely identify as American 100%. Not Filipino, but American. Filipino is just my ethnicity, but my values are American. When people ask me stupid shit, it gives me the opportunity to share my family’s AMERICAN story. I even share it with Filipinos by telling them my family was the first wave of Filipinos to arrive in the US, and they picked fields alongside Mexicans and Japanese and poor white people.

It’s one I can be proud of, and not hurt or ashamed or feel pain regarding any of that stuff. I’m not one least bothered by racial stuff, because I look at it like it doesn’t pertain to me. I feel more affected (like way more affected) by anti-American rhetoric.

Lastly, I really wish woke white folks would stop telling us how we should feel/vote/stand politically because of our race. Like we need to be saved by their white wokeness, or their political party is the one that sides with us. As if we’re too dumb to think for ourselves and we need to be saved. That’s more racist and condescending than anything. Like, yo, I’m my own person.

This resonates with me on several levels. Thank you for sharing.

 

[SVsick50]

Well, somebody has to. You're obviously no good at doing anything for race-based reasons, now are you?

Yup, I actually had to think of my friends that who were Asian. I actually had to think, like “Oh yeah, Josh is Japanese!” I never even saw him as Japanese, I just saw him as Josh. My buddy Jason is half Chinese, as is one of my best friends, who was my “best woman” at my wedding. She married a German. I just don’t see them as their race.

We used to give him hell when we were younger because he loves country music and back in the day would go to country concerts. Then we’d be like “man, good luck.” But he never had an issue. He married a super awesome white woman and had a big family.

All us Asian men marrying non-Asians. So much racism suppressing us. And some of us love country music! Is that even legal in our racist society??? All these half children, too...

I told my stepson to quiet anybody that talks trash about white people. I told him to look at them dead in the eye and tell them his mother is white and see if they stop. He’s a killer in BJJ, and can throw hands so I ain’t worried

 

[littlebeast]

Somebody asked to post Asian experiences, and I would like to do that. Sorry for being long winded, but I think my family's story and many like mine (which I would think is the norm and not the exception) is important to recognize.

My great grandparents (originally from the Philippines) came here from Hawaiian plantations. They realized that the working conditions in Hawaii were not good (dirt floors for their living quarters) and the main land just had more to offer. My grandfather came here in that move, and attended Santa Cruz High School.

In this interview from 1998 (video posted below) my grandfather talks about his relationships with white people. While it wasn't the best, white people, especially Santa Cruz Italians, were the most generous and welcoming people to an ethnically rare person. My grandfather used to tell my mother and her siblings "I could've taught you to hate the white man" and what he meant by that was he could've taught them that, but that wouldn't be honest.

My grandfather, and other poor Filipino immigrants, worked for, with, and live in predominantly white communities, and when he eventually passed away - outside of my family members - white people were there.

Fast forward to 1957, when my dad came here at the age of 17. My grandmother was widowed when he was 6 yrs old and never remarried, and NOTHING was left for my dad in the Philippines but low wage jobs, government corruption, and gang life (he almost stabbed a guy one night in a nightclub). So, right before the height of the Civil Rights movement, a small, poor, brown kid with a thick accent came to the US with a backpack and dream.

My dad finished his education and became an engineer, and worked through the corporate ladder for nearly 4 decades. He worked with and for white men, who entrusted him in his decision making, and promoted him and gave him pay raises based on the quality of his work. Calculating and adjusting for inflation, my dad, at his career peak, was making the equivalent to $500K/year of today's money. These old, rich white men very much respected that small, brown dude who was my dad. My dad was tenacious (he was a 2nd degree Shotokan black belt belt), hardworking, and wouldn't let his ethnicity be a factor in his life.

To the day, my dad's best friend is an old white guy, whom he met at the local ukulele club. They perform together and hang out all the time.

Fast forward to me. I'm married to a white woman who's 12 years my younger, extremely successful and a goddamn knockout 10. I am successful in my own career, again, working for a company mostly run by old white guys. My stepson is 1/2 Native American, and is a handsome young man. We've traveled all over the place. Nobody looks at us funny, nobody says anything derogatory... and in fact, we get compliments all the time as being a "beautiful family". All over the country and in foreign lands, and we have received zero negative experiences as a mixed family.

My brother is married to a white woman and they have mixed kids (obviously).

We are an AMERICAN story. Our experience is truly American, where white people and all kinds of people have been integrated into this "Asian experience", and for that I couldn't be more grateful.

I remember being in college and these Filipinos at SJSU wanted me to join their Fil Am group. Like "hey, you're Filipino, so you should join us" and I was utterly confused. The ONLY thing we had in common was our race? Not our likes, hobbies, religion, recreational activities... none of that. Just our ethnicity? I just recall back when my dad used to tell me of the Filipinos he went to college with calling him "white washed" and basically a "race traitor". I was like "no thanks".

So, the times that I can definitely point racism was an issue in my life was less than a handful of times (maybe 3 times?), and God knows it hasn't defined me. I am so grateful for the people in my life, and race never mattered to me, or my family. All the talk of us vs. them makes no sense to me. The narrative of woke segregation makes no sense to me, and why it's being pushed so hard. What kind of life would've this have been if it wasn't mixed with other races and cultures? Like, I don't buy from a store, watch a movie, or support something because it's "Black owned" or "Asian owned". That would be more racist than anything else, and from my perspective, un-American.

Lastly, I teach martial arts at a karate dojo and I am a striking coach at an MMA gym. I was talking to a fellow boxer about self defense yada yada yada and he says "Dion, ain't nobody gonna mess with you... just look at you..." and he's right. Nobody messes with me, so maybe that's a thing, too.

Here's my grandparent's interview, where they do talk about racism and such and their American experience. It took a bit for me to conserve this video and keep a digital copy of it. If you're interested in Filipino American history, here's a pretty good nibble of it through my grandparents. Both lived into their mid-90's.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm kinda tired of woke segregation. Like labeling me "Asian". Label me the person I am, not the color I was born with. I didn't have a choice to be Asian, so it doesn't define me.

really enjoyed this post. as an aside - and related to your comments about the fil am group, my company has and promotes a wide range of diversity groups (ethic, gender, gender identity, etc.). what i love about them is that they are not organized or promoted as exclusive to ‘fit the label’. they are organized to promote cross cultural participation (e.g. the black womens group has members of all races and genders). the groups all celebrate their mission, but do it with wide participation among a very diverse group of members - and the whole company joins in when they hold special events celebrating a particular culture or commemorative event. it’s awesome.

that said, as i have mentioned many times before, my husband is portuguese. on those annoying forms everyone fills out he always puts white caucasian. it makes him crazy. it makes me crazy too. i LOVE his batshit crazy portuguese intensity (fell in love with that - married that). am not interested in any watered down version of him. yeah - he’s american, but the spicy version. i LOVE spicy.

WRT your ethnicity - have traveled extensively in the philippines, and all i can say is that the people there are some of the warmest, most capable and genuine people i have ever met. such a proud heritage you have.

edit - i guess what i’m trying to say is that i get being american, but i love the diversity of cultures that make up this country. so please hang on to that. IMHO shared perspectives and unique cultural influences makes life more colorful and meaningful for us all.

 

[Eldritch]

Maybe?

I'd have to go back, read, and research your French example.
I've not visited France before, but have spent a significant amount of time in Japan which is why I used their example.

The French have a complex and diverse ethnic background as they have continued to accept citizens from former colonies around the world, but long ago they made it illegal for government to record and classify citizens by, "race." The expectation is that they all face the law equally and stand together as Frenchmen.

100%

That’s the racism of low expectations at work right there. These Woke morons think we all need to be saved and can only be saved if they help us.

I agree, the new segregationists do a terrible disservice to minority communities by demanding a narrative that robs them of their own agency, but I suggest it is better to try and find a place of reason with them. The calling of names does not help.

Better one should call out the weaknesses in their position while recognizing and acknowledging that their intentions are founded in a sincere effort to empower other Americans.

 

[mean dad]

HUGE difference between a group volunteering to NOT partake vs a group demanding it be destroy or removed completely from society.

The "rednecks" as you so eloquently want to call them didn't demand that they tear down the race track or remove nascar from TV.

Same goes for the "mouth breathers" who voluntarily choose not to watch football.

The 'cancel culture' reference was to someone being castigated for their remarks, and possibly losing their job. Are you honestly telling me that the 'right' hasn't tried to get someone fired for their views or statements?
Absolutely laughable. I'm not even going to take the time to link articles it's such a silly idea.

The publishers of Dr Suess books decide a small number of books shouldn't be in print any longer due to overt racism and the pundits cry that it reeks of cancel culture but it's God's work when schools remove To Kill A Mockingbird or Catcher in The Rye.

 

[SVsick50]

i guess what i’m trying to say is that i get being american, but i love the diversity of cultures that make up this country. so please hang on to that. IMHO shared perspectives and unique cultural influences makes life more colorful and meaningful for us all.

Thanks for your perspective!

I guess truly where I’m coming from is I mentioned that my family left those places for good reasons. America has a culture - an American culture - and celebrating ethnic groups is part of that. Heck - Prior to lockdowns I would demonstrate at the Japanese cultural festival (which made no sense since karate is Okinawan, who were opressed by Japanese, but anyway. I guess this is cultural celebration?) What doesn’t sit well with me, is the perpetual talk of devaluating American culture and ideals. Because immigrants came here to relish in those. Talk to any immigrant and they will tell you “I came here for opportunity”. Which means they left where they’re from because it wasn’t offered where they were. What’s the point of leaving your home country if people are going to tell you “oh, you’re landing in a place that’s against you” or “you are a target for violence” - I’m so grateful that my family was told otherwise “this is the land where there is no limit for your potential”. And why people are trying to destroy this ideal completely disregards and disrespects the complete and utter sacrifice that people endure to come to the states.

I work for a New England based insurance company. Our top sales guy (like, untouchable) was one of - not only the best in our company - but one of the top producers in the industry, world wide. I knew him when he first came here and was renting a room with his wife. Now, the man is a multi-millionaire and has an LLC with a number of properties under it. He’s like 5’2”, extremely broken English and is from Vietnam.

In this company, operated by a bunch of old white men, nobody batted an eye at his ethnicity - nobody cared what race he was. At the awards ceremony, they spoke nothing of him being Vietnamese but everything about being an American.

BTW, the next time you order Chinese food, understand that isn’t Chinese food most likely. It’s American food. Watch “In Search of General Tso”

 

[Agent Orange]

I disagree with that notion, I believe Chinese food even from Panda Express is Chinese food. It may not be mainland Chinese food, but its Chinese American food which is different than Cantonese food, which is different from Northern Chinese food, which is different from Shanghai cuisine, which is different from Malaysian chinese food.

If you want to see what chinese food is from the remotest parts of the country watch Flavorful Origins on Netflix. Can tell you I've never had 90% of the stuff people on that show make.

 

[jdhu]

My experience is less interesting, so I'll just highlight a few points:

- Moved to Texas as a 1 year old from Taiwan, parents were grad students. Texans were, by and large, friendly and welcoming. The "racism" I experienced was more or less innocent ("Are you Japanese?" "Why are your eyes slanty?")

- Fast forward to Davis, CA in elementary school. In progress, liberal Davis and CA, the racism was far more mean-spirited. Sure, the kids are older too, but this is where "chink" and "gook" come in.

- Throughout high school and college, I actively avoided Asian girls, as a response to the notion that I should be interested in them, since I'm Asian. I definitely took it too far, as it's somewhat silly to "discriminate" (against Asian women) because I felt some form of discrimination. I also avoided Asian American groups in college, because I didn't feel "fobby" enough, and more importantly, didn't want to be categorized by race and associate with others based on race (of course, what I did was NOT associate, based on race).

- As an adult, feel fully American and do not experience racism. Cannot think of a recent example. Obviously can only speak for myself.

- I'm glad to feel American, but also have kept my culture. I like many aspects of Chinese culture (while disliking some I've previously mentioned), and I feel unique and feel like I have perspective others cannot have.

Life is good!

 

[SVsick50]

I disagree with that notion, I believe Chinese food even from Panda Express is Chinese food. It may not be mainland Chinese food, but its Chinese American food which is different than Cantonese food, which is different from Northern Chinese food, which is different from Shanghai cuisine, which is different from Malaysian chinese food.

If you want to see what chinese food is from the remotest parts of the country watch Flavorful Origins on Netflix. Can tell you I've never had 90% of the stuff people on that show make.

Is Filipino Spaghetti, spaghetti?

 

[Bay Arean]

100%

That’s the racism of low expectations at work right there. These Woke morons think we all need to be saved and can only be saved if they help us.

You mean Hispanic people might not wanna be called LatinX?

Because, they asked first, right?

 

[bikewanker]

I understand, they having nothing that can stand up to a Nimitz class right now, let alone the Ford Class Carriers we are developing, but they are working very hard on it every single day. Once Hong Kong is completely under control, Taiwan is going to be taken by force, it will happen in our lifetimes.

Our nation broke its back defeating the evil of the Soviets. Now China is poising to seize global control calmly, efficiently watching as we self destruct. For the sake of the world, India needs to be ready to save us all.



No conspiracy theories yet, my guess on the Chinese social engineering is just a hunch, just my gut and a healthy knowledge of current ongoing geopolitical events.

It makes an awful lot of sense that they would pick up the torch the Russians have lit with their BLM inciting and turn it to their own advantage. Time will tell.

I’d heard that one of the final USSR failures was bankruptcy through military spending. I’ve wondered if the CCP isn’t cheering our rising debt. Not sure I’ll return to Hong Kong so need to move Taiwan up the bucket list.

 

[Agent Orange]

Is Filipino Spaghetti, spaghetti?

Yes, in the same way Indian Pizza is pizza.

 

[tuxumino]

Is Filipino Spaghetti, spaghetti?

ahh man, now you got me wanting some Jollibee

yeah you got to get to Taiwan if you're a foody.

[youtube]qpilmoqoi4E[/youtube]

 

[KooLaid]

I remember being in college and these Filipinos at SJSU wanted me to join their Fil Am group. Like "hey, you're Filipino, so you should join us" and I was utterly confused. The ONLY thing we had in common was our race? Not our likes, hobbies, religion, recreational activities... none of that. Just our ethnicity? I just recall back when my dad used to tell me of the Filipinos he went to college with calling him "white washed" and basically a "race traitor". I was like "no thanks".

Reminds me of all the asian groups in high school and at SFSU.

I went through the same thing even though I am neither Hmong, Filipino or Pacific Islander but everyone in those clubs thought I was and "needed" to join.

However at the same time I was not interested in doing the common asian club things i.e. breaking dancing, gossiping, anime, hacky sack, volleyball, karaoke, honda, acura, video games etc. I was more interested in 4 wheeling, motorcycles, mountain bikes and getting some tail.

Lastly, I really wish woke white folks would stop telling us how we should feel/vote/stand politically because of our race. Like we need to be saved by their white wokeness, or their political party is the one that sides with us. As if we’re too dumb to think for ourselves and we need to be saved. That’s more racist and condescending than anything. Like, yo, I’m my own person.

I think this the biggest thing for me. I find that more offensive than actually people trying to offend me. Like they're trying to play us (other minorities too) as pawns in their stupid political, pat yourself on the back games. I am my own person, YOU don't speak for me.

 

[Kurosaki]

Reminds me of all the asian groups in high school and at SFSU.

I went through the same thing even though I am neither Hmong, Filipino or Pacific Islander but everyone in those clubs thought I was and "needed" to join.

However at the same time I was not interested in doing the common asian club things i.e. breaking dancing, gossiping, anime, hacky sack, volleyball, karaoke, honda, acura, video games etc. I was more interested in 4 wheeling, motorcycles, mountain bikes and getting some tail.

Interesting perspective from both of you. A big portion of my close friends I have today I met through my college's Filipino club. To where it's second nature to call your friends' parents auntie and uncle, invited to weddings, etc. Our club was pretty diverse. Pretty inclusive to all other asian cultures, black people, white people, etc. Spent way more of my time with them than our black student union on campus. If it was just an 'asian club' I likely wouldn't have bothered.

But yeah, Singkil, pandango, tinikling, maglalatik, I've done all that shit.

 

[Bay Arean]

I think this the biggest thing for me. I find that more offensive than actually people trying to offend me. Like they're trying to play us (other minorities too) as pawns in their stupid political, pat yourself on the back games. I am my own person, YOU don't speak for me.

I just can't believe you don't like being told who you should or should not like, support, vote for! It's like you have a unique, independent persona not defined by your cultural heritage....

Bill Maher talks about White Privilege having its greatest manifestation via having the luxury to be impractical. To me, it's always been that so many White self-presumed liberal people can't understand that people in tha "communities" are just as diverse as them. It's like only white people AREN'T controlled by groupthink even while they self-loathe on past examples of it.

The truth is just way too hard, like pondering a black Trump voter, or a pro-wilderness road native American. How can it be? "My head might explode. I thought I UNDERSTOOD what you people think". Or finding that not every Hispanic person is down with this LatinX bullshit.

I have been observing this behavior since the 70s and there are newly-minted peeps who STILL don't get it. Mostly because many people cling to identity politics and filters because they feel comfortable with it and don't want to be seen as invalidating your presumed heritage-based customs, stances, diet, whatever..

Total freedom will be when nobody expects anyone to behave a certain way because of some perceived ethnic heritage. It could come by "work" by people in their inner hearts. But it will and already has happened just because so many people have multi-racial heritage. It's such an obvious solution. And in so many places, the reality of the people on the ground is way ahead of those pondering mandates and rules to make sure everything is fair for each cubbyhole.

I think frankly, oppressor or victim, sometimes its hard to let go of what is familiar, even when its ultimately self-defeating.

 

[Holeshot]

I think this the biggest thing for me. I find that more offensive than actually people trying to offend me. Like they're trying to play us (other minorities too) as pawns in their stupid political, pat yourself on the back games. I am my own person, YOU don't speak for me.

When someone doesn't respect your words, decisions and opinions, no matter how off the wall, IMO, get away from them. They're only about using you, and at the point where you recognize the lack of respect, you know this to be true.

The focus on race is about division in 2021. It's warming to read accounts that those who are immigrated Americans identify with simply being, Americans. As we all are. No to the media. No to others intentions for us (uniquely) to join their mob adventure. Yes to enjoying all the flavors, looks, and words we have to offer each other. Great posts from several here. Gratzi!

 

[SVsick50]

Yes, in the same way Indian Pizza is pizza.

Haha! Okay, I’m swayed.

How I was introduced to Jollibee was legit at a BARF meet circa 2004. That place will give you the diabeetus tho

 

[lizard]

... Can tell you I've never had 90% of the stuff people on that show make.

Have you seen any of Liziqi’s vids? I never heard nor eaten 99% of what she cooks.

One of her vids:

[YOUTUBE]z_nDDebiefE[/YOUTUBE]

 

[tzrider]

The focus on race is about division in 2021.

It can be either about creating division or trying to heal it, depending on what is being said. Both things are going on in 2021, I'd say.