May 11, 2020 to May 15, 2020
How many times have you asked or been asked “How are you?” in the last seven weeks? That perfunctory greeting and inquiry seems ingrained in how we greet each other in American English; yet, in this extraordinary moment it feels completely inadequate. We do it out of habit; and, when we ask, the response is usually nothing more than the polite, “I’m good,” or “I’m fine.”
I don’t think I’m alone in saying that in this moment of tremendous pain and uncertainty, asking “How are you?” may be failing us.
When I’m asked “How are you?” I don’t know whether I should be truthful or just give the expected answer. I’m not sure if the person asking wants to hear the truth, and I hesitate to expansively share grief, hurt, worries, hopes or joys. That’s why I’m grateful that when I speak in my native Hmong tongue, where I’m instead asking “How are you living today?” Just being that specific about a time and topic invites a different level of honesty.
As our team continues to speak with community about the extent of loss and suffering, as well as to engage community in co-creating solutions and the future, we are asking different questions to welcome truth telling and create living conversations.
So, what questions are you or your team asking instead of “How are you?”
In solidarity,
Bo Thao-Urabe
Executive & Network Director
On Thursday, May 7, Asian Minnesotan parents, educators, and community members concerned about e-learning came together to hear from young people about how their distant learning is going.
“One of the issues I am having with distant learning is with the speed of our slow internet… I have a large family and we all have their devices connected at once.” – Cole Yang (8th Grader, Mounds View School District)
“Being the oldest child, I struggle with balancing not only my homework, but helping my younger siblings with their homework too since both of my parents are still working. My siblings (ages 8 and 6) don’t know how to check their emails everyday…The only time I get to do my homework is between 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM in the morning.” – Chee Lee (Senior, Osseo Area Schools)
“Because my parents don’t speak English, I have to be their interpreter and translator… It’s gotten to the point where I am now struggling to get my work in on time.” – Ma Moe Win (Sophomore, St. Paul Public Schools)
You can listen to these young people here.
A PLACE FOR US: COLLECTIVE YOUTH HEALING SPACE
If you know of a young Asian Minnesotan (who’s between the ages of 14 to 22), encourage them to our BOBA youth on May 15 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM) for a virtual healing space. Learn more about this event and register here.
OUR LETTER TO COMMUNITY
Last week a video was released showing an unprovoked Asian woman kicked. We issued a letter to community to make clear our position on racialized violence and why we must stand in solidarity.
“In this moment, we must all show solidarity and reach deeper into each other’s communities to make sure that those who are most vulnerable are seen and supported. Each of our respective communities knows the pain of what racism and xenophobia has done to exclude, harm, and pivot us against one another. We see this as an opportunity to learn from one another and unite in opposition to racialized violence. To truly transform Minnesota into a state where all communities are safe, respected, and included, we must remember that the well-being of our communities is tied together.”
Read our full letter here.
WITNESS OR EXPERIENCE DISCRIMINATION? REPORT IT.
If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, please complete this online form to report it, or call 651-539-1133 | 1-800-657-3704 | 1-833-454-0418. Language interpretation services are available by phone.
