 "Photo: Tyler Cobb")
Despite the fact that Lisa Chan was born in the United States, people sometimes compliment her ability to fluently speak English.
Chan said she and other Asian American students are viewed by some as perpetual foreigners, adding that this is just one of many stereotypes imposed on Asians.
Chan and other members of the Asian American Student Association set up a display in the Union Food Court on Tuesday to raise awareness about historical and contemporary examples of racism and stereotypes used against Asian Americans. The presentation is part of this year's Asian American Awareness week.
"I think there's a lot of people who aren't aware racism exists and propagates in society and on campus," said Chan, a junior in chemistry and Chinese.
Chan said she hopes this event and others this week can get students to think more critically about issues of race and help them break down stereotypes they might still hold.
The group's multimedia display begins with a breakdown of governmental measures of discrimination against Asian Americans, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, one of the first major anti-immigration acts in American history. The presentation also told the story of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American who was beaten and murdered by automobile workers who were angry about the competition they faced from the Japanese automotive industry.
Students in AASA also explained the ways stereotypes can manifest themselves in the media and daily conversations. Chan said it is common for Asian Americans to be seen as the model minority, academic nerds or karate masters, but AASA's presentation challenges the stereotypes by demonstrating the diverse impact Asian American have made in fields such as architecture, social activism and Hollywood.
"Stereotyping is a problem that should be addressed, but people so often ignore it," said Mika Lee, a senior in exercise physiology and vice president of external affairs for AASA. "We're hoping this display helps students get a better perspective of who we are and where we've come from."
Chan said the display isn't just about political correctness. She said the intent of AASA's display is to help students understand why stereotypes and racism have existed and how education can help overcome them.
"In general, racism is still a problem that needs to be taken care of," said Nishan Gilio, a junior in geography. Gilio said the posters are a good way to introduce the topic to students, but he said Utah's lack of diversity makes it more difficult to educate people about the topic. "People should just be sensitive towards their words and their actions."
c.norlen@chronicle.utah.edu
