On March 16, 2021, eight people lost their lives, six of whom were of Asian descent. “The spa shootings only fueled a surge in racially motivated hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, or AAPI, during the pandemic.” - Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC
Most days my faith and love of humankind sustains me. My faith in God, humanity and loving one another enough to make a difference for the better. In Episode 44, I am in conversation with JiaoJiao Shen (sounds like Jow Jow with a hard J like jump) about her deep interest in making a difference in the lives of others.
Who is the other? Actually, we all are the “other” at one time or another. I can say this mostly because I am a woman and have been “othered” in my life. However, as a white girl, I have also come to know about the privileges afforded me. I am keenly aware of not being considered the “other” as often as marginalized humans. “Hate is Unacceptable and Proven so With Love” in Episode 40 with the 2 for Seder founder, Marnie Fienberg speaks to the power of love in the midst of life’s traumas.
My guest, JiaoJiao Shen, is Chinese. She knows about being the “other” and in our conversation offers thoughtful insight and reflection from her childhood and teenage years as a Chinese girl growing up in America.
My desire to interview JiaoJiao came about after she presented her story of realizing she had suppressed grief from years of being on the receiving end of microaggressions. Years of microaggressions tossed her way by those of us who knew better and didn’t care and those of us who care but didn’t know better. We each have more to learn. By the way, I have been both of these people in my life.
The murders in Atlanta and the almost 150% increase in hate crimes against Asians pierced an area of pain and grief in JiaoJiao she had subconsciously silenced.
Our conversation weaves together the pains and joys of her childhood, teenage years and now her concerns as a Chinese mother, wife and daughter working in corporate America. JiaoJiao sounds like me and any other mother who loves their children...how do we best protect them, teach them to protect themselves while bravely loving openly our amazing world?
I ask each of my guests, how can we help you? JiaoJiao easily offers us the following:
Consider the material we are consuming...are we educating ourselves about cultures different from our own in books, social media and movies?
Cultivate relationships over a coffee, a tea or at your children’s activities. Finding a common denominator and expanding this to a relationship provides valuable lessons for each of us.
Take specific interest and time to learn about meaningful cultural events associated with a culture different from yours. For example, in 2022, pay close attention to Chinese holidays and festivals.
As each of us become more aware of the “other”, we treat them with care, concern and compassion - as we would want to be treated. JiaoJiao encourages us to change the narrative about Asians with understanding, acceptance and respect.
Resources for this episode:
Asian American Pacific Islander history
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Real Grief - Real Healing is copyright 2021, Mindy Corporon. All Rights Reserved. Our theme music is composed by Dave Kropf and used with permission.
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