By Gabi Tien '23
Photo from @nest.acc on Instagram
Get to know the Asian Culture Club! Hear from the club president, Emma Khidr '22, and the public advisory and social media manager, Amber Zou '23.
Introduce your club! Who are you guys and what is your mission?
We had first created this club to create an environment where Asians have a safe space to share their ideas and culture. We also wanted it to be a space to celebrate and explore the different aspects of Asian identities.
How does your club contribute to the NEST+m community?
We believe that this club offers a space where people can be themselves with no judgment. Before coming to NEST+m, I (Khidr) used to feel ashamed of being Asian. However, after establishing an Asian community within our school, I felt more culturally connected and hope that the ACC can provide the same to other students. I also believe that our club has helped the school as a whole become more exposed to Asian culture. For example, decorating the halls with red envelopes during Lunar New Year immerses students and faculty members in the Asian community and its various cultures.
With the recent resurgence of Asian hate crimes caused primarily by the current pandemic, how have the members of the Asian Culture Club been affected?
Many members seem to feel more unsafe, overall. The majority of us stay home in fear of being attacked if we were to step outside. We are scared for our lives, and the fear derives from simply being ourselves. We have always been told to be your authentic self and embrace your identity, but these recent hate crimes have made us afraid of expressing ourselves because of the risk of being ‘too Asian’ for everyone else's liking. It’s a sick and disturbing thing for people to attack random, innocent strangers solely because of their ethnic backgrounds. We are so appalled that we have to ask ourselves why society has developed into a place where individuals fear their lives just because of their origins. We hope that no one has to feel like their lives are in danger from being their true selves.
How can the NEST+m community take steps to prevent racism perpetuated against Asians?
The NEST+m community can help by bringing instances to light and continuing to do so even when it's not 'trending.' Many people only care about a certain matter when it is popular. Additionally, allowing students to share their experiences without being judged is a great way to support the Asian community. Educating people on the matter is also extremely important. The school staff and teachers must let the students know when an inappropriate and racist action is made in our school community so that students can actively respond to it and learn from it.
Comments