It’s Lunar New Year and I’ve been feeling pretty helpless seeing the increase of daily Anti-Asian hate crimes in the US. With all racist rhetoric and violence permeating, I want to share a story of how I’m learning to celebrate my Chinese heritage.
“Take this time to celebrate identity and be proud of being unapologetically Asian!”
There’s been an increased call to arms by the Asian community to stand together in solidarity.
But, “unapologietically Asian”, this phrase really got me thinking. I know I’m proud of being Asian because I grew up with #AzNpRiDe and all, but am I unapologetically proud?ย As I dug deeper into this question, I felt these buddhas giving me the side eye ๐.
You see, these four buddhas are gifts to me from my in-laws. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do about them since the day I got them. I had no clue where to put them, they’re just “not my vibe”.
Marie Kondo says if it doesn’t give you joy, then get rid of it. Well, these buddhas were not giving me joy, but it’s not like I can just get rid of buddha. Do I want 7 years of bad luck?? (Kidding, that’s not how it works, but maybe…)
So, I did what any good Asian daughter would do. I put them in a glass cabinet in the dining room. That way, I can still SEE them, but they won’t get in the way of my aesthetic vibes. Given my history with these buddhas, it should be no surprise that as I was having an inner dialogue about my Asian pride, they started interrogating me:
Shelly, why don’t you love us?
“It’s not that I don’t love you, it’s just you guys are a little bit gaudy and not really my aesthetic?”
Why don’t you think we’re aesthetic?
“Because you’re not in any inspo pics of my dream home!”
Why are we not in your inspo pics?
“…well…” … because ๐คฏasians are under represented in social media…
My mind nearly exploded with this line of questioning by buddha. There’s SO much to unpack here, but this highlights why it’s more important than ever to normalize diversity and to celebrate our unique identity.
I’m happy to say that as of today, I’m damn proud to have these buddhas in my life and they bring me so much joy. They are featured prominently on top of my sideboard where they belong and not tucked away like I’m ashamed of them. (What an analogy!)ย
Plus, wouldn’t you agree that they look aesthetic AF?
๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐๐ป๐๐ปโโ๏ธTo my fellow Asians, are you unapologetically proud to be Asian? If not, what’s holding you back?
