On a Personal Level: How to Face Anti-Asian Racism in Canada
Written by Ken Hsieh
Photography by Mayowill Photography
GROWING UP WITH RACISM
I have faced racism ever since I was literally born – especially being born in 1980 in Edmonton, which was at the time, hardly a place an immigrant would go. One of the most important things I recall in Edmonton was that most of the people were so kind and open to foreigners, but there was the aspect that my parents and I had to prove ourselves to be worthy of consideration. We were not just people whose ancestors were here to build the railway, or people opening a Chinese restaurant. We were unique, and this was something I always remembered.
Having moved to Vancouver at a young age, and living in North Vancouver, I remembered being one of two Asian kids in my elementary school. In the beginning, classmates used to call me names such as “chink” or “sushi maker” etc. I got used to it, but it didn’t bother me as I had a thick skin. I was determined to work hard and outdo most of them to overcome these racist remarks. I excelled in academics but athletics was really where I gained their respect.
Still, I vividly remember the one time I resorted to violence. One day, a classmate, who was also a friend, kept calling me a Chinese chink and thought that saying such thing would be okay and eventually pushed me. I recall retaliating by pushing him down and kicking him in the ribs. Afterwards, he apologized and never said it again; however, I felt terrible defending myself and my heritage in that way.
RACISM IN 2020
Fast forward to decades later, when I see my classmates from North Vancouver today, we have such a deep mutual understanding of each other, and getting together has been such a joy. Some were just ignorant at the time for saying or doing such things; however, we must educate them through compassion first, especially if we can do it without resorting to saying hurtful words or violence. Still, practicing self-defense is always necessary.
I was surprised the other day to be biking in my back alley, and being called and sworn by this Caucasian woman. I would not let her have it, and spoke softly at first to ignore her, but her ranting went on, and this was where I could not let her have it, and therefore yelled in a loud voice and called her out. I felt terrible to do this; however, with several neighbours who came out and saw the incident and called her out, and literally shame her. I felt overwhelmed by the way the community was united, and for this I am forever grateful for what Canada has: people who are here of all ethnicities coming together to root out this problem. Perhaps the lady was having a bad day; however, I am trying to understand her; however, what she said was really uncalled for, and the way to do this, I am sure she will remember this for the time being.
“I felt overwhelmed by the way the community was united, and for this I am forever grateful for what Canada has: people who are here of all ethnicities coming together to root out this problem [of racism].”
Ken with his old friends from North Vancouver.
THE FUTURE
As racism continues, we must stand together in solidarity, and I think this is only way to prove that we are in this together.
Educate yourself and others.
The Asian minority must understand that there will be times when we encounter people who resort to discrimination or racism to satisfy their egos. These are people we must try to educate and try to open their minds. Everyone was born to a world with no bad intention and it is where we have to try to be understanding of other people.
Don’t just read.
There is a lot of reports of incidents where not much is done, not enough reaction or response. Today on the television I watched in horror as an elderly woman was kicked and pushed down for no reason in Metrotown. Police are now trying to find the culprit behind this; however, I was in more disbelief at the people who walked around behind her not to come to her assistance. Those who stand around and do nothing, are equally at fault.
Be vocal.
There is racism everywhere, and while we must try to be compassionate, we must also assert our stance by being vocal about it. I recall going to Red Deer once and being called out in Dairy Queen, though having people around me who called the person out, one bad apple does not make all “white” people bad. There were people who came to my aid, and I know within our communities, most and many people will stand on the side of right and fair.
Get help.
As a last resort to defend ourselves, if things are becoming increasingly dangerous, please get help.
Standing Stronger
My classmates in North Van, we all stand together and are there for each other now, and it is something I wouldn’t think would happen when I just moved to North Vancouver. I am hopeful that as we stand together, people who resort to racism and violence will realize that the force of multiculturalism stands stronger than anything else.
Kenneth Hsieh is an award-winning Canadian Conductor and Music Director of the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra in Vancouver. Born in Edmonton, Canada, Ken is the winner of several prizes including the Heinz Unger Award in Conducting and the Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Orchestral Conducting. He has collaborated with a wide range of distinguished artists such as Cyprien Katsaris, Mayuko Kamio, Tamaki Kawakubo, Janina Fialkowska, and more. Several of his concerts have been recorded live and broadcasted on CBC Radio across Canada. His concerts have also been broadcasted on television in Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and the USA.
