A Study of Asian American Issues in the United States - Nicoline Pedersen - Krista Celo - Eden Stilman - Seren Ventullo

R A CE A S A WE A PON OF PSYCHOLOGIC A L DESTRUCTION

Race is nothing more than a social construct that intends to establish a dichotomy between the default white race and “other” in order to emphasize the notion that whiteness is what is conventional---or superior.

Racial superiority is a constituent to a western hegemonic mentality. The construction of race rationalized American Imperialism and the subjugation of racial groups deviating from the conventional “whiteness.” Seeing through a racial lens reaps two, of many, principle consequences: OPPRESSION

There are multiple levels of oppression. Nonetheless, all deviate from the utmost postulation that those diverging from the “mythical norm” are undeserving of the “privileges” those fitting the norm enjoy.

We place special emphasis on INTERNALIZED OPPRESSION. The acknowledgment of race as a substantial determinant of one’s social and economic success is, for the most part, unique to the United States and any location consisting of a white majority that perpetuates the notion of a western/white hegemony. As such, the consistent maintenance of race as a driving force to one’s purpose within society renders many individuals categorized as “other” to give credence to the racial stereotypes embedded within the social construct; thus, leading these “other” to develop internal conflicts regarding their identity--often rendering them to resent their native origins. Moreover, denying one’s inherent racial identity often results in the “other” embarking on an endeavor to appease their subjugators; often by means of assimilation.

COMPETITION ADHERANCE TO THE WHITE AGENDA

An arena of competition between minority groups arose out of the racial agenda that distinguished whiteness as superior. “Other” may compete with other racial groups in order to reap the benefits whiteness endows. The perpetuation of the model minority renders other minority groups to strive for the acceptance that people of Asian descent are perceived to enjoy; a goal that renders such groups to reject their native identity/culture in favor of a more Americanized one. For instance, being learned in the English language is a necessity for Westernized acceptance--thus, those who are fluent have won the competition and avoided the critical eye from the white man. Yet, while they have appeased the Western standard, they may have done so by disconnecting themselves from their native culture.

Minority groups continuously adhere to the goal of appeasing their subjugators. For instance, skin bleaching is a common practice within Asian groups. Race is largely grounded in one’s complexion [as seen in the manner in which people of African descent often receive harsher treatment]. Ngunan Adamu traces the desire for lighter skin from ancient cultures to the European colonialists who exported their prejudice to the people they enslaved

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