inadequate access and low utilization of social- and health-related services among Asians. But perhaps most insidiously, the model minority narrative reifies the claim of egalitarianism as a triumph over exclu- sions, while justifying social differences and inequalities. The problem with the model minority
narrative is that it conflates the immigrant success story with racist undertones. It’s a positive thing to celebrate an immigrant’s success—just as it is positive to celebrate minority success or working-class success. Some Asians have done very well. And this is a good thing. The challenge is in holding space for the realities of people who are also vulnerable because of systemic op- pression—and to not forget that racism still exists in our country, and we still have work to do in addressing systemic racism.
Q. What is the effect when more than one type of bias acts on a person such as being AAPI and an older adult?
A. We see these compounding especially on Asian American elderly women. Often- times, we talk about how race, age, gender, immigration status, and social class are of- ten intertwined. The cumulative effect we observe is from racism, ageism, and sexism all working together. But what AAPI older adults want is pro-
tection and safety. So perhaps the most im- portant question here is, what are some of the ways that those of us in the community and those of us who work in the system can provide that for them.
Q. Do you have any suggestions on how to talk about this without causing more damage? A. I think the problem that we’ve had throughout the years is that people didn't want to talk about it—that it seemed like it wasn’t really a topic that should be discussed at all. Unfortunately, not talking about it doesn't make it go away.
One of the biggest things that allies can
do is to learn about the history of anti-Asian racism and oppression. From a very practical standpoint, allies
can work together to provide safety and support to their AAPI neighbors, who may not know who they can trust right now, es- pecially in light of the overt racism. Allies can confront anti-Asian racism by speaking out and letting their Asian Amer- ican and Pacific Islander neighbors know that
they’re not alone—that they have
people they can turn to and who can be a resource for them. The Asian & Pacific Islanders Social
Work Educators Association is an organi- zation where I’m vice president, and we’re working on resources and knowledge shar- ing. I suspect that (senior living) community managers won’t have to go very far to access resources—we’re here, we want to speak, and we want to be part of the dialogue and bring this forward.
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