A few days after the tragic incident involving George Floyd, a friend reached out, asking, “Can we create a statement for Diverging Magazine?” At the time, I was still relatively new as an editor for this online platform affiliated with the Progressive Asian American Christian community.
Initially, I was puzzled by his message. Then it clicked. “Oh, for Black Lives Matter?” I responded. His prompt reminded me of my role as the editor for the Living Justice section, dedicated to showcasing justice initiatives within our community. After all, wasn’t Black Lives Matter fundamentally about justice?
Despite being an ally and actively engaged, I had momentarily overlooked my responsibility to speak out during a crucial moment.
Recognizing Your Power
We often underestimate our own influence. It can feel uncomfortable to acknowledge, especially for women. Who wants to come across as boastful about their connections and authority? Yet, it’s essential to recognize the power we each possess.
I was reminded of my roles—not only as the Living Justice editor but also as the entertainment editor for Mochi Magazine and a freelance writer for various publications. These titles are not just for show; they come with a responsibility to make a difference.
My Approach to Combatting Erasure
One of my primary goals is to confront the phenomenon of erasure—the marginalization of certain voices and histories. As a writer and editor, I have access to platforms that allow me to amplify underrepresented perspectives. Here are some ways I actively combat erasure:
- Writing from my own intersectional identities—Asian American and female.
- Engaging my fellow editors to discuss our response to societal issues, such as the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Collaborating with a team to create resources for Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans (APIDA) wanting to take action.
- Being part of initiatives that provide educational toolkits for influencers to share with their audiences.
- Carefully selecting which films, shows, and artists to feature in my work.
- Mindfully quoting a diverse range of experts and parents, ensuring representation of non-white narratives.
- Including pertinent facts about disparities in everyday topics like childcare and healthcare.
- Promoting and crediting contributions from POC and underrepresented creatives.
- Recommending diverse writers to my editors and brand partners, even when not prompted.
- Being intentional about representing intersecting identities, particularly within minority groups.
- Addressing systemic issues in discussions on my YouTube channel, including topics relevant to fandoms and cultural phenomena.
These actions may seem mundane, yet they hold significance in the fight against systemic injustice. I aim to use my privileges to uplift those whose stories deserve to be told.
Summary
In summary, we all have the ability to combat erasure through our platforms, whether they be personal or professional. It’s vital to recognize our power and use it to amplify underrepresented voices. By taking small but meaningful actions, we can contribute to a more equitable society.
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