Within the Asian (American), Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander lands and diaspora, we have much work to do around truly understanding and witnessing our unique histories, traditions, and struggles.
Within the Asia, Hawai’i, and the Pacific Islands, there is conflict between and amongst us, too.
At the same time, we have an incredible opportunity to mobilize as a collective that makes up the majority of the entire world’s population.
To be precise, Asia includes West, Central, South, North, East, and Southeast Asia:
[Asia]
We have the countries that people typically speak of when they think of Asia, such as China and Japan (when I was growing up, no one knew what Korea even was or where it was, so it has been fascinating to witness the rest of the world learn about Korea). Asia also includes India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Palestine, and so many more regions.
When it comes to the Pacific Islands and Hawai’i, the area they cover is larger than all of Australia, with hundreds of languages and cultures.
[The vast and diverse Pacific islands]
Together, Asia, Hawai’i, and the Pacific Islands make up over 60% of the entire world’s population.
We have been lumped together for the sake of a Heritage Month. Similar to the term “BIPOC,” this can be both a mechanism that aids conversations, but also can be weaponized to leave behind the very communities that need to be centered.
So as we take it upon ourselves to learn about each other in genuine and in depth ways, let us also turn toward each other. If they’re going to lump us together, let’s lump together in power.
We honestly do not need a month to be palatable or “inspirational” as a group. We can be a formidable powerhouse as an organizing force.
Happy AANHPI month yes, AND, let us truly organize because we are the majority. And while we are at it, when we reach across to all continents and countries of the Global South, we are the Global Majority.
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