Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! Are We Allowed To Say That Anymore?
For many, the month of May marks the undeniable moment where the cold of winter gives way to the warmth of spring. It is also Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. For decades, Republican and Democrats have recognized the month, and more importantly, the contributions of AANHPIs to the fabric of America—contributions that would not have been possible without America's embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Yet today, the acronym capturing these three words (DEI) has become a political lightning rod driving decisions like eliminating federal recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month.
People celebrate Chinese New Year in New York City's Chinatown.
People celebrate Chinese New Year in New York City's Chinatown.
Getty Images
In truth, the AANHPI community—a community that is almost 60 percent foreign born—has always found ways to honor our culture and contributions, regardless of the month. Yet, during this time meant for celebration, it is hard to find joy in the increasing costs of living, or an economy where small businesses are struggling with, tariffs are likely to deepen that pain. It is hard to find joy when families are being torn apart as loved ones are being unlawfully detained and deported. And finally, it is difficult to find joy when those who have benefited from inequity insist that advancing equity is divisive; or those who have enjoyed exclusive access oppose inclusion because it threatens their hold on power.
In some ways the AANHPI community is a microcosm of America. With East Asians, South Asians, Southeast Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, we are a community that is culturally and ethnically diverse, with as many similarities as differences. We have no shortage of historical baggage and tensions that create resistance, yet we still work to find ways to be connected and united. Like most Americans, we care about educational opportunities, access to quality health care, and the cost of housing. In fact, these are issues we believe the government should be prioritizing over settling political scores, starting trade wars with allies, or terrorizing legal immigrants and students.
While some of our country's leaders have declared AANHPI Heritage Month as somehow too controversial; and business leaders, as well as colleges and universities follow suit, rather than celebrate us, try listening to us.
For many AANHPIs, the message that has always been a whispered undertone throughout American history, that "we don't belong," has grown into a grievance-filled rallying cry that betrays a fundamental American truth: this country was founded by immigrants seeking to escape authoritarianism. This truth has served as a beacon of hope and the basis of the American Dream, even as we grapple with the discomfort of knowing our country's relationship with Native populations and communities of color has been deeply flawed.
This country's success has always come on the backs' of these communities (both literally and figuratively). Diminishing our accomplishments, qualifications, and contributions ultimately diminishes us all.
It is not racist to talk about racism. It is not racist to want to build a more perfect union that recognizes our greatest moments of collective growth occur when we embrace our diversity, rather than erase it. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not words we must strike from national discourse; rather they are ideals that should allow us to chart a path into the future.
Perhaps, it is easier, more expedient, and ultimately more comfortable to ignore how deeply rooted racism is in America. Perhaps, blaming those who are living and fighting it every day is more convenient, but jumping to the end of the book and proclaiming it defeated is a privilege many of us don't enjoy.
I recognize that not everyone in our community agrees with my point of view, and that is OK. But what we should be able to agree on is principled disagreement, healthy debate, and due process are ideals we all should be committed to upholding. We are witnessing what happens when authoritarianism is the default mode of operating. That path leads us back to the dead of winter rather than the joy of spring.
At the risk of being apparently divisive, Happy AANHPI Heritage Month, everyone.
Gregg Orton is the national director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). Based in Washington, D.C., NCAPA is a coalition of 44 national Asian Pacific American organizations. We represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities and provide a national voice for our communities' concerns.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
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