This week, we interviewed Winnie Kong, a writer and student who writes Politically Invisible Asians, a newsletter about Asian American voices and perspectives.
Is it not better to represent your self? One’s life is filled with an almost infinite memory of what we are and what we are becoming. It is so much more to experience the fullness of being an individual than representing a separate group identity. Break the boundaries that limit growth.
A lot of people are politically invisible. Some try to keep their political views to themselves just to stay sane. I would argue that life in America has become hyper-politicized so I am in favor of being politically invisible.
I agree that America is hyper-politicized. Both political parties have moved in different directions. But American institutions are strong enough to withstand the strain.
Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect in this age of social media that there is a middle ground between political invisibility and ranting extremists. It is true that some relationships have been injured, even broken. It is rare that old and trusted friends can amicably disagree on fundamental issues and still retain the bonds of friendship. It is understandable and sometimes wise that a retreat from confrontation is the best course of action. But how one feels and thinks can leak to the surface, sometimes uncontrollably. Civilized discourse seems to be a lost art. It is extremely difficult to avoid the friction that appears even in honest agreements.
But the point I was making was that sinking into tribal identity diminishes the potential of expanding and enriching the human experience. Tribalistic identification is a separation not only from other groups but the world outside of ourselves. And if a group views itself as injured - real or imagined - then personal growth is diminished. How does well-being emerge from this?
Is it not better to represent your self? One’s life is filled with an almost infinite memory of what we are and what we are becoming. It is so much more to experience the fullness of being an individual than representing a separate group identity. Break the boundaries that limit growth.
Good point--I think you will find my substack relevant!
Yaaay Winnie!! So very proud of you! <33
thank u jessica!! ❤️❤️
Amazing article and thanks for the plug, Winnie! I'm so glad to know you and it's an honor to be your coworker-turned-bestie! <3 !
bestie vibes only 🥰
A lot of people are politically invisible. Some try to keep their political views to themselves just to stay sane. I would argue that life in America has become hyper-politicized so I am in favor of being politically invisible.
I agree that America is hyper-politicized. Both political parties have moved in different directions. But American institutions are strong enough to withstand the strain.
Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect in this age of social media that there is a middle ground between political invisibility and ranting extremists. It is true that some relationships have been injured, even broken. It is rare that old and trusted friends can amicably disagree on fundamental issues and still retain the bonds of friendship. It is understandable and sometimes wise that a retreat from confrontation is the best course of action. But how one feels and thinks can leak to the surface, sometimes uncontrollably. Civilized discourse seems to be a lost art. It is extremely difficult to avoid the friction that appears even in honest agreements.
But the point I was making was that sinking into tribal identity diminishes the potential of expanding and enriching the human experience. Tribalistic identification is a separation not only from other groups but the world outside of ourselves. And if a group views itself as injured - real or imagined - then personal growth is diminished. How does well-being emerge from this?
Hello I'm Suleiman ameen usman from Nigeria
Good for you; I've been concerned with the plight of AAPI voices, so I wrote two substacks about that concern as it relates to my local community:
1) Berry College in Rome Discriminates Against Asian-Pacific Peoples--Part I @ https://rometowncrier.substack.com/p/berry-college-in-rome-discriminates
2) Berry College in Rome Discriminates Against Asian-Pacific Peoples--Part II @ https://rometowncrier.substack.com/p/berry-college-in-rome-discriminates-d86
Hopefully, it will raise some awareness!