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Anna Sulan Masing - Chinese and Any Other Asian
Feb 14, 2025
Anna Sulan Masing, an academic, poet, and journalist, explores the complexities of East and Southeast Asian identity in Britain. She tackles the oversimplification of identities on official documents, revealing the historical roots of 'othering.' Masing delves into the colonial narratives that shape societal perceptions and highlights the importance of diverse storytelling. She critiques racially charged myths, like MSG, and discusses the need for marginalized voices to reclaim their narratives. Throughout, she advocates for joy as a form of resistance in the face of cultural appropriation.
57:51
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Quick takeaways
- The act of Othering, exemplified by simplified census classifications, reflects deeper societal issues that erase individuality and perpetuate exclusion.
- Cultural appropriation misrepresents East and Southeast Asian identities, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and undermining the authenticity of these diverse communities.
Deep dives
The Concept of Othering
Othering is presented as an everyday experience for many individuals, particularly those from East and Southeast Asian backgrounds. The act of categorizing oneself as 'other' in societal contexts, such as census forms, job applications, and doctor's visits, reflects a deeper structural issue whereby these individuals feel the need to conform to societal norms that do not include them. This constant adjustment can lead to microaggressions that manifest subtly in daily interactions, influencing self-perception and behavior. The speaker highlights that this phenomenon is detrimental, as it serves to erase individuality and perpetuate a sense of exclusion.
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