The Fighting 44s

You would think that at this moment in history, people of all denominations and creeds, yellow, black, blue, green, or purple, would be comfortable enough in their own skins to express their own thoughts and opinions freely.

You would think that at this moment in history, people would be enlightened enough to understand that every single human being is an individual and should be honoured as such.

You would think that at this moment in history, people who study at a university, an institute of higher learning and advanced thinking, would just get it.

You could think anything you wanted, and it wouldn’t change the fact that the racial divide still exists: I see it on campus, in the administration, and in nearly every class I have ever attended.

I’m studying for an Arts degree as an international student in Australia. When people who don’t know me ask about my work, I often get surprised looks when I tell them about double-majoring in Gender and Cultural Studies.

But most Asians I know go for the Science or Commerce degrees! they gasp.

And?

Ah, you must be a local student then, they invariably reply, nodding sagely and thinking that my unstereotypical choice of study must be a result of a Western-influenced upbringing.

Actually, I’m from Brunei (which is only twenty percent Chinese in a population of mostly Malays).

Then how is it youíre doing Arts?!

Bitch, please.

Often, I’m one of the admittedly few Asians in any one of my given classes. That doesn’t come as a surprise to me: the region I’m from still holds the traditional Asian way of life in high regard (advocating science and commerce, the practical degrees) and alternative artsy types are perceived to be less reliable and intelligent than their traditionally-inclined counterparts.

My tutorials are based on a discuss-and-debate format, and all students are encouraged to participate with any ideas or opinions. We often have great fun, and the fact that ten percent of our final grade rests on our in-class involvement does wonders for our enthusiasm.

If, however, one were to just sit back and observe the proceedings, s/he would realize that nearly all of the contributions in our discussions are made by the White/non-Asian folks and one very opinionated Asian girl.

Are we really that complacent?

Am I just over-generalizing?

Maybe it’s a result of our culture of immigrant humility, of keeping our heads down; maybe it’s because when we do attempt to be heard, we receive so little recognition that we just stopped trying.

Australia proudly espouses a policy of multiculturalism and acceptance, and while I do believe that there are many fine individuals who practice these values in their daily lives, there are also people who use it as a cover for assimilating all those who do not conform to a rigid social order. Look at Chinatown.

There are many different Chinatowns in different countries all over the world where Asians (mostly Chinese and Vietnamese) can live and socialize without cultural misunderstandings, and engage in familiar activities and customs without disapproving glares. Such freedom, I agree, should not be taken lightly and cannot be taken for granted.

But aren’t these Chinatowns gilded cages as well? In some areas, it seems as though Asians are expected to shut themselves in and perform for the hordes of non-Asian tourists who point and stage-whisper to their wives, “Lookit that, Marge, them yellow bastards sure are weird! Wait ’til I tell the boys back home ’bout this!”

And just as we’ve been taught by our fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, we smile and nod politely at these people, pretending not to understand their bigotry, because we need their business in order to survive in this strange, new world.

Are we as weak as we appear? Perhaps we keep quiet in our classes, our jobs, and our daily lives not because we’re complacent, but because we, as a people, are biding our time. Maybe both the traditional and the alternative kids are keeping their heads down now, honing their skills for the day when they will influence the major scientific and commercial and artistic institutions in the world.

We are absorbing generations of knowledge and the experience in the fight to make our futures better. There is no doubt in my mind that we will grow not just in number, but in individual strength and will.

Stand up, 44. Don’t you want to rule the world?

This entry was posted on Friday, October 29th, 2004 at 5:55 pm and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Leave a Comment »

Share