Impact Fellows Program: Summer 2013

www.advancingjustice-chicago.org

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Good night, IFP.

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Is It Really Over?

With our last Kinetic workshop over yesterday, and our exit interviews with Vi today, our internship has come to a close. But is the Impact Fellows Program really over for us? We'll be heading off into our own directions now, me being the first to leave for college in exactly three weeks, a couple others also leaving the city thereafter. Once September hits, we'll all be wrapped up in classes and work, and being the high achievers we all are, we'll probably be too busy to enjoy the luxuries of sleep, stress-free environments, and more than a few moments of not having to think about what's coming next. 

However, I hope that we, as the IFP class of 2013, do not let the memories of the last six weeks fade in the back of our minds. We have not only gotten to know each other and our amazing facilitators, Bryan, Vi, and Steve, but we have also developed relationships with the staff at Advancing Justice Chicago, our supervisors, our CBOs, and our youth. If there is anything I've learned from community organizing, it is that networking is key to opening doors in your future. To understand how basic this is, we can see that the human simulator video game, The Sims, got it right: "Friendships are like plants. If you don't care for them, they whither and die." 

No matter the conflicts that we have come across at our sites and with each other, I hope we remember the passion we all share for our work and identity. No, we're not all on the same level of viewing everything in a critical way, but, despite my own beliefs at times otherwise, that's completely fine. We have created a community and identity for ourselves, and we'll continue to challenge each other while also sharing our victories with each other. And making wonderful, wonderful videos like these: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFHpPpeXEA0

Much, much love to everyone. Thank you for all that you have shared with me and taught me. I am extremely privileged to have had this opportunity, and also incredibly grateful. 

Now go watch that video...It's pretty awesome. 

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LAST DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe yesterday was the last Kinetic Workshop! It's such a bittersweet feeling!  I'm so used to preparing and planning for the workshops everyday with my fellow IFP'ers!  This program is so empowering and enriching.  I can't thank Bryan, Vi, Steve and everyone else that came in and spoke.  Your words are powerful and will forever be a part of me.

--currently listening to Avril Lavigne----I will forever be reminded of Bryan.--

Anyways, I think Kinetic is a great program for high school youth to have open dialogues about their Asian American identity and issues the youth deal with or witness.  Having these talks is very important so the youth can be exposed to certain issues and be aware of their surroundings.  As a Communication student, facilitating these workshops made me aware of what I need to work on as a public speaker and better my skills.  Also, getting feedback from the students reinforces the fact that Kinetic is actually helping the high school youth be more well rounded.  I wish I had a program like this when I was in high school. I think I would see the world differently. Vi- You are such a hardworking person.  Sending emails at 3am... That just goes to show that you are so passionate about what you do. Thank you for all the hours you put in and sharing your story.  Bryan- You're such an understanding and humble person! Steve- Thank you for all the incredible insight and help with Kinetic! You're a dynamic person. Chris- You're one of the best listeners I know.  Whenever I'm having a terrible day, you know exactly what to say and make me feel better! Thank you! Jam- I love that you can get along with anyone you talk to.  I'm happy you were placed with me for Kinetic!  <3 Grace- You're always so positive and cute! You always brighten the room! Mergen- Your sarcastic sense of humor is something I really resonate well with.  You always know how to make people laugh and that is such a great quality to have. Jon- #kingofratchet aka Jon.  You're one of the easiest person to talk to. STAY TRILL. Josh- THOSE ARMS. Nuff said. Just kidding. No, really though. Keep up the good work.   Connie- You are the most thoughtful person ever.  Noticing the little things about people is a gift I aspire from you. Norman- You're such an understanding person and so smart.  Imran- You got me saying "too much" in like every conversation now... haha   Maya- Last but not least, Maya! My fellow Deer! We're gonna visit you on campus this fall. Get ready.

Lastly, I want to thank my fellow IFP'ers for sharing their stories, opening up, and most importantly being my friend.  I love you guys. FORREAL. Thank you for reading and being a part of my life! Until next time..... --Kasey 

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http://www.comedycentral.com/video-clips/7nnosh/chappelle-s-show-frontline---clayton-bigsby

Speaking of race conscious comedy, this Frontline report on a renowned white supremacist who turns out to be black is one of Dave Chappelle's best. It dissects the how racial self hatred may arise as a blind boy is told he is white to make things "easier" for him. But why would it be easier for a black kid to go through life thinking he's white?

In my eyes, the skit shows how broader societal undercurrents end up shaping how we view race, including our own race. 

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Home/Land

Last Friday 7/19/13, Maya and I went to see Home/Land (by Albany Park Theater Project) at the Goodman Theatre as sponsored by IFP. The show completely blew through my expectations and was fabulous! The show was very folksy, youth-friendly and dynamic. There was a variety of real life stories gathered by the playwrights and each story represented one act in the show.

The youth actors were completely believable. (All the actors were 20 and under, can you believe that? I certainly did…) There was so much passion, enlightenment and reality in their eyes.  I had a favorite act that involved a satire of a gameshow in which an undocumented Latino immigrant had to compete for his pathway to citizenship.

This act in general was stinging and bitter, beneath the surface humor. The gameshow host picked a volunteer from the audience who identified as a U.S. citizen. From what I could tell, this volunteer was white, and when prompted to present proof of their citizenship, the volunteer said they left their documents at home. The gameshow host and co-host immediately countered that it was OK, and that they believed them to be a citizen, because “they LOOKED like a citizen”.

The look of a U.S. citizen.

In the end, the audience volunteer got a juice box and pack of snacks for their trouble. I hope they were able to return home with some sort of message.

This show overall was fantastic. Absolutely engaging and youth-friendly, although most of the audience were older white folks. The show seemed to touch the audience emotionally, as many people were crying and sniffling throughout the show.

After the show, in the beautiful restroom of the Goodman Theatre, an individual came up to me while we were washing our hands and asked how I enjoyed the show. We had some small talk about the show, and then she further went on to how she works in a nonprofit dealing with immigrant people in her work. She stated that her work wanted more “Asian clients”, and then she stopped and looked at me. This individual is white.

I didn’t know how to respond. Did this individual come to talk to me solely because she liked the show and wanted to share experiences? Or was it based on my race? Was it a combination of the two? Did she think she was being “ethnically inclusive” and “politically correct” by attending a show dealing with immigrant issues by youth of color? We ended up making mindless small talk and then she left. How many more times must I get racially glossed before my voice is not provided for me? Am I overthinking this? Or is this social consciousness too strong to be denied any longer?

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Something Happy or Something Angry?

Hello everyone,

I was just contemplating on what to write for my most recent blog post, and I thought out loud, "Should I write about something happy? Or something not so happy?" It's incredible to contemplate all the experiences that have taken place this summer, for me, for my friends, and for the world at large.  So how do we go on, taking into account both the moments that enlighten us and the moments that challenge us? How do we take the moments that anger us and turn them into reflective, positive experiences? How do we look back at the good times and also use those to check our own privileges and fuel ourselves as we continue to do our own work? Let me know what you think. And in the meantime, take a look at this commercial for Coffeehouse, a talent show fundraiser run by Fighting Youth Shouting out for Humanity (FYSH) at the Korean American Resource and Cultural Center (KRCC)! 

A Typical Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSrUD4XsytM

Chris

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One of the coolest moments during my time at the Indo American center was the "Reflection Breakfast" we had this week. Morning ESL classes were cut short by an hour and everyone was gathered into the boardroom, where the staff had assembled a nice spread. More importantly, they also had certificates of achievement for all continuing students who had managed to move on to the next level of classes from the previous semester (there are four levels). 

The ceremony itself wasn't much but the reactions the students had when they had their names called was nothing short of ecstatic.  As hard as Norman and I worked, I realized our classes met much much more to our students. Seeing how encouraged they were when they received their certificates also made me realize just how essential it is to give positive feedback to the communities we aim to work with. How do you all think we can do that in our internships?

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Atmosphere - To All My Friends

One of my favorite songs, never fails to inspire with each listen. 

If everyone can listen and pay attention to the words, it would a lot to me. 

PEACE! 

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Feeding into People's Attention Hunger

Hi all, 

Two nights ago, I got into an argument with one of my friends about the "Trayvoning" social media trend. Upon posting the link on Facebook, my friend commented and shared his opinion about informing others on this trend. He believed that by not talking about it, we decrease the number of people who will follow the disturbing trend. 

I have to acknowledge that on some level he is right. Some people do crave the attention, and if given the opportunity for exposure, they take it. Maybe if we avoid talking about Trayvoning, we avoid more followers and attention-seekers.  

On the other hand, refusing to talk about the issue doesn't make it go away. For example, not talking about racism doesn't make the issue disappear. We can still experience thoughts and acts of racism. Avoiding a discussion about these issues might lead others to believe that these behaviors are socially acceptable. Also, by not asking others' opinion on the matter, we can become narrow-minded and ignorant. 

I admit that social media wasn't the best place to get into an argument or educate others about the issues, but it was a simple way to get the message out about how wrong this trend was. If my friend believed that we should avoid using social media as a main outlet for education, I would agree with him. The problem was that he believed that we should avoid talking about the issue in general. I definitely disagree because I believe that discussing issues can lead to enlightenment and more knowledge on different topics.

What do you all think? 

- Jane

http://www.policymic.com/articles/54875/trayvoning-the-sickening-new-social-media-trend-you-shouldn-t-attempt

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hello there.

Dear Tumblr, I am currently updating the Kinetic facebook, instagram & twitter. Reaching out and recruiting for high schoolers for the CBO is hard work.  Lets stay connected y'all!  facebook.com/kineticworkshop instagram.com/kineticworkshop twitter.com/kineticworkshop HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY.  --Kasey 

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Hello Dapper IFPers!

I was looking at all the tumblr posts and I just wanted to post another one about self-care because I’ve starting realizing just how important it is. More importantly, I’ve become more sensitive to topic of mental health, especially as we live in such a stress filled world. To begin, I’ll just share honestly about what I do when I’m stressed. (*disclaimer: not all of these are recommended)

These are all dependent on the level and type of stress I may be under, so being a bear, let me organize them for you!

  Stress Level: moderate

Type of stress: when I feel like no one is really listening to what I am saying

For me, the best way to relieve this stress has been to go to the karaoke place and to sing my lungs out. It helps me to feel like I am being heard and makes me feel a lot better afterwards.

Stress Level: moderate

Type of stress: negative encounter with a work relationship

In these cases, I usually replay the encounter over and over in mind, and I end up trying to analyze the situation to see what had happened. If the issue is a problem I can solve by talking to person, I think about what I want to say. If the problem is not as simple, I try to take my mind off of it by watching a funny movie or video clip.

Stress Level: moderate

Type of stress: frustration in terms of how work is going. When things are moving slowly and work isn’t be productive

Usually in these cases, I don’t like to sit in one place because I want to complete something. So I choose to go out and exercise by playing a sport (usually badminton because I get to hit something) that requires a lot of movement. This helps to release frustration and to cool down.

Stress Level: moderate

Type of stress: When I feel bad about saying something to another

I search…for sweets. Usually in the form of ice cream or milk shakes

Stress Level: severe

Type of stress: When I have been emotionally hurt by someone or when my work is significantly devalued

Usually movies and food doesn’t cut it for super stress. I take a long shower and go to bed. After a long shower, I am usually tired from the day and sleeping really keeps me from thinking and gives my body the rest it needs.

Stress Level: severe

Type of stress: When I start thinking about life, my dreams, and a sense of helplessness (burn out)

I like to find a friend or family member who knows me extremely well and whom I am close to. Talking about this stress to them and listening to their responses gives me a lot of healing. It helps me to realize that I’m not alone and that I really have a purpose in life.

  What about you? How do you all release stress?

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Morgan Freeman on Racism

I've seen this video being posted about the need to "ignore race and racism." Many individuals see this as Morgan Freeman, a black man, openly stating that racism should not exist and it will go away if we stop talking about it. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. What Freeman is actually saying is that as long as BOTH PARTIES mutually acknowledge that race is not an issue then we can get rid of racism. However, the key statement is the one where he askes to be addressed as a human being: "and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man"  This, of course, is contingent on no longer acknowledging the differences in race between individuals and groups. 

This means that instead of judging things, black and white, we need equal representation, no singular Black history month, no racial profiling/stereotypes etc to get to a point where there is no more racism. 

Talking about race is difficult but I feel it is necessary because we are not in the utopia that Freeman describes. Black History and the history of other People of Color are not properly reflected as "American History." Not only that, but the people advocating for the "colorblind society", often do not have to deal with the repercussions of race.  Additionally, as this is my opinion. This entire video is only Morgan Freeman's opinion. It does not reflect an entire culture or "his people" or "my people" or any type of "people" other than the actor Morgan Freeman. To misconstrue this as the opinion of the masses or to hold his word as the shining example is to do other people a great disservice.  Norman

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Flooded Basements and Naturalization

Thursday night my Tita's (Aunt's) basement flooded due to the neighbors kid leaving the garden hose on.  Intentional or unintentional is unclear, but that is besides the point. 

While helping my tita salvage items from the basement, I found a bag that had my late Lolo's (Grandpa's) Naturalization certificate, which I have never seen before.  Funny how Vi found hers a week earlier also. 

My lolo has had LPR status since the late 70's, but his date of naturalization was not until July of 1993.  What I'm wondering is why it took so long?  I'm still trying to gather info my family. I will keep all of you up to date on this story if possible.

Questions to you all:

1) Have any of you ever seen a certificate of naturalization from any of your relatives if they are US Citizens?  If so, did they show it to you willingly, or did you have to stumble upon it randomly like Vi and myself?

2) Maya and I were also discussing, why, in my case, this document ended up being mixed up with a pile of papers in a box, or in Vi's case a junk drawer?

Happy Monday!

#Jon

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Some Kinetic Inquiries....

So, it was our first Kinetic workshop!!!

Which was exciting and interesting in the way discussions and activities worked out...

But while having a discussion about Asian American stereotypes, one of the students brought up a difficult topic. When we as Asian Americans are faced with being associated with a specific stereotype, how do we respond? Especially in a high school setting where there are distinct social and racial lines which are rarely crossed, how as IFP facilitators can we mentor students to address these issues?

Let me break this down using some hypothetical scenarios…

Situation I: A Korean student is asked why Korean people eat dogs and is told that the practice is disgusting and abusive to animals.

How should that Korean student react? How do we approach this situation from the Korean student’s standpoint when he/she is clearly offended and hurt? Should we tell the Korean student to try to explain about why some Korean eat dog and about how these dogs are a particular breed raised like chicken and cows to be consumed? Do we tell the student to just brush it off?

These were some difficulties I had during the Kinetic workshop today, and I was hoping to get some feedback!

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Facts of the Case

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/05/us/trayvon-martin-shooting-fast-facts

Maya really covered everything I wanted to say about the Trayvon Martin case, and I am excited to see the support that that notion gets. Something I also wanted to do was share facts about a case. It's important to have evidence for your arguments, and if you find yourself in a debate worth having (whether or not it is worth it is up to you. I am also learning to pick my battles, which I would like to write more about at a later time), it's good to be able to back yourself up. I know that by learning more about Vincent Chin's case I am able to speak more confidently about what happened and why his life and death are integral to the Asian-American movement in the United States. I know one source alone isn't perfect, and this source in itself may be flawed, but I hope it helps. 

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I've never thought so much my identity until I joined IFP.  Dominant/ target identities.  What makes me who I am?  What influence does the media have on me? What does my Asian American background say about me? What stereotypes are commonly associated with minorities?  Should these identities make me who I am? I always find myself questioning myself and really embracing who I am now. It's so empowering.  I never know what to say on tumblr anymore. So I guess I'll just rant, This past week was so stressful for me.  First day of placements at CMAA was stressful.  Me and Chris basically had to plan workshops for kids ranging from 5th through 8th grade.  What are age appropriate activities we should plan for the youth? What are the demographics of the kids? On top of the 5th-8th graders, we also had to plan the recruitment process for the high school program. I knew this was going to be a challenge, but we're ready for it.  Plus, Jane is back from Florida! YAYYY! until next time.... --Kasey

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Racial Profiling and Racial Divide

Hello everyone,

While I was in Florida, I followed news related to the Zimmerman case. Most of the articles stated the same thing; no one knew exactly what happened between George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin on the night of February 26, 2012. But all of the articles touched upon the issue of racial profiling and the divide between races. Martin’s family claimed that the murder of their son was a result of racial profiling. They believed that Zimmerman shot the 17-year old African American boy because of his appearance. On the other hand, Zimmerman claimed to have shot the boy only to protect himself.

After landing in Chicago, I was surprised to find out that Zimmerman pleaded not guilty in the murder of Trayvon Martin (source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/zimmerman-trial-jurors-request-clarification-on-manslaughter-instructions/2013/07/13/3a26dbbe-ec0c-11e2-aa9f-c03a72e2d342_story_1.html). I proceeded to research how the case evolved over time as well as the response of different communities.

Black and White Issue?

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-04-10/politics/35450956_1_martin-case-george-zimmerman-unarmed-black-teenager

Earlier articles saw this as a black and white issue. The article “ Trayvon Martin Case: Poll finds stark racial divide" brought out statistics that informed the readers about the opinions of those who followed the case, but only mentioned the the divide between the black and white communities. It was clear that African Americans supported Martin’s family and believed that this case illustrated the racial injustice happening in our country.

As I read more articles, I found a similar trend. Continually, African Americans were pinned against whites. I started to wonder what other ethnic communities thought of the issue.

No longer a black and white issue?

http://newamericamedia.org/2012/04/zimmerman-case-ignites-dialogue-on-latino-racial-identity.php

Later articles labeled Zimmerman as hispanic, which complicated the issue. It was brought to the public’s eye that Zimmerman’s mother is Peruvian, and some started to associate Zimmerman with the Latino community.

The article above examined the terms “Hispanic" and “Latino." The two terms are different and don’t really embody the communities associated with them. 

Because Zimmerman identified himself as Latino, many believed that the Latino community would side with Zimmerman. But this wasn’t the case. Many members of the Latino community didn’t sympathize with Zimmerman just because his mother was Peruvian. Instead, they believed that Zimmerman committed a crime and should be punished. Also, the community believed that by ‘“playing the ‘Hispanic Card,”" the media tried to divide blacks and Latinos. To avoid this, the Latino community formed a coalition aimed to help Martin’s family.

What is the REAL issue?

This case has certainly divided different communities. There are still so many questions that I wonder about: How different would this issue be if Trayvon Martin wasn’t African American? Would law enforcers have acted differently if Zimmerman wasn’t white (or half white)? Does it make a difference that Zimmerman identifies as Latino? Who is considered “Hispanic" or “Latino"? What exactly happened on the night when Martin was shot?

I’m sure that this case isn’t over. There are too many circulating opinions and not enough evidence to calm people’s thoughts. By examining the case from different perspectives, I definitely saw how complicated this issue really is.