Ep. 101: Honoring AAPI Heritage Month

EQ: How can we intentionally highlight, honor and celebrate AAPI folks (contemporary or historical) during the month of May?

On this episode of IWL, Hope and Megan discuss the history of AAPI Heritage month and unpack the often problematic erasure of Asian history in the United States. We begin by discussing the term “AAPI”, where it originated, and the case to stop its use.

Megan shares her history and identity in the Asian American community and both women discuss the problems and harm of the idea of the “Model Minority” myth and emphasize the importance of educating ourselves about all parts of Asian American and Pacific Islander history in order to better inform how we can be allies moving forward. Hope and Megan share ideas for how to celebrate and honor this month both in the classroom as well as in our day to day lives.

Related Links:

• Can Filipinos Claim “Pacific Islander”

• Asian Americans are Still Caught in the Trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotypes. And it Creates Inequality for All - Time article referenced by Megan

• How to Take Action Against anti-Asian Hate at Work

• Smithsonian AAPI Heritage: Standing Together Against Hate

• Get Motivated to Fight Anti Asian-American Bias

• Model Minority Myth Again used as a Racial Wedge Between Asians and Blacks

• Share My Lesson

• Stop AAPI Hate

Do Your Fudging Homework:

• Please take the time to learn the stories and histories of the many different people and cultures that make up the label Asian American Pacific Islander.