Every moment of our lives
by Lauren Lin
Every moment of our lives, we are labeled like objects. How much are we worth? How rare are we? How beautiful are we? One by one these labels are stuck onto us, accumulating, covering ourselves, and shaping how others perceive us. After the labeling, the grouping comes next. The so-called “similar” people are grouped based on their labels. Once that ends, the choosing begins. Some prefer the more exotic one, but others may pick the more common one, or the cheaper one. After all this, how can we truly be sure of who we are?
Being Chinese American can provide a somewhat different experience. This ethnic group has played countless vital roles that have helped shape our history, some of the earliest known to use language. They have also developed a new form of philosophy, Confucianism, that creates new perspectives on core values and beliefs and, therefore, the corresponding positive labels. This is what I take pride in. I am honored to know the contributions my ancestors made to change the world. This is when I will gladly embrace my culture and heritage.
However, the road we have traveled on throughout history has not been as smooth as we would wish. It has had its fair share of ups, downs, and bumps. Throughout history, both Chinese, and Chinese Americans have been mistreated, and discriminated against. In the mid-1800s, many Chinese immigrants arrived in the USA for work, and their extreme willingness to work made them top choices for hiring. Others soon began to fear that they would take all the available jobs. This led to the creation of racist terms such as “Yellow Peril.” Racist terms eventually evolved into violence that led to the deaths of many Chinese individuals. The US government then went further and established laws that made it even harder for Chinese immigrants to find work by making it harder for them to enter the country. Chinese people have also been blamed for outbreaks such as Covid. These events create labels that are negative and can invoke hateful thoughts. Hearing and learning of these events have sometimes made me feel inferior in some way, and some of my friends have even experienced bullying and blame because of the pandemic, and rumors of it coming from China.
From all this, we can conclude that since long ago, we have been placing and receiving labels. The ones our ancestors created and took are some that influence us the most to this day. These labels eventually lead to stereotypes and show our differences from others. These differences are also what make us special. While stereotypes in many minds have a generally negative connotation, sometimes they can sound encouraging or praising. For instance, being Chinese American, often the first thing people say is, “You must have excellent grades!” While this may sound like a compliment, in some way, it creates a sense of expectation that binds us to our groups and labels. This can create negativity such as the thought of not being as good as the rest of our “group.” In other words, it is important to understand what “grouping” and “labeling” truly create. Learning how to ignore these unfair actions is most important. “Choosing” is also biased and unfair. Why do some choose not to be friends with us? Even though hate and how others see us may not be something we can control, when we get bullied because of our heritage, I believe we must stand up and fight. Our heritage is what makes us unique and we must learn to embrace it, love it, and be proud of it! We must strive to become the beacon of light that leads us away from the crimes of racism, stereotypes, and bias, ultimately making the world a better place.
Judges' Comments
This is an excellent summary of a wide-ranging topic in a very short space, as well as an interesting exploration of how labels can affect a person. - A.K.
The essay compellingly blends the historical and the personal. By boldly deciphering “labels” and stereotypes in all their shades, it educates and motivates the reader to envision a more equitable future. - N.M.
This author is tackling some really complex and big ideas, and does a great job of funneling them into a call for action! I’d suggest a little more focus in the first few paragraphs of the piece – the author’s ending is full of such passion and clear direction, and I’d love to see that energy in the opening paragraphs too! And to the young writer – trust your voice and follow that vision! You have great things ahead! - S.T.
by Lauren Lin
Every moment of our lives, we are labeled like objects. How much are we worth? How rare are we? How beautiful are we? One by one these labels are stuck onto us, accumulating, covering ourselves, and shaping how others perceive us. After the labeling, the grouping comes next. The so-called “similar” people are grouped based on their labels. Once that ends, the choosing begins. Some prefer the more exotic one, but others may pick the more common one, or the cheaper one. After all this, how can we truly be sure of who we are?
Being Chinese American can provide a somewhat different experience. This ethnic group has played countless vital roles that have helped shape our history, some of the earliest known to use language. They have also developed a new form of philosophy, Confucianism, that creates new perspectives on core values and beliefs and, therefore, the corresponding positive labels. This is what I take pride in. I am honored to know the contributions my ancestors made to change the world. This is when I will gladly embrace my culture and heritage.
However, the road we have traveled on throughout history has not been as smooth as we would wish. It has had its fair share of ups, downs, and bumps. Throughout history, both Chinese, and Chinese Americans have been mistreated, and discriminated against. In the mid-1800s, many Chinese immigrants arrived in the USA for work, and their extreme willingness to work made them top choices for hiring. Others soon began to fear that they would take all the available jobs. This led to the creation of racist terms such as “Yellow Peril.” Racist terms eventually evolved into violence that led to the deaths of many Chinese individuals. The US government then went further and established laws that made it even harder for Chinese immigrants to find work by making it harder for them to enter the country. Chinese people have also been blamed for outbreaks such as Covid. These events create labels that are negative and can invoke hateful thoughts. Hearing and learning of these events have sometimes made me feel inferior in some way, and some of my friends have even experienced bullying and blame because of the pandemic, and rumors of it coming from China.
From all this, we can conclude that since long ago, we have been placing and receiving labels. The ones our ancestors created and took are some that influence us the most to this day. These labels eventually lead to stereotypes and show our differences from others. These differences are also what make us special. While stereotypes in many minds have a generally negative connotation, sometimes they can sound encouraging or praising. For instance, being Chinese American, often the first thing people say is, “You must have excellent grades!” While this may sound like a compliment, in some way, it creates a sense of expectation that binds us to our groups and labels. This can create negativity such as the thought of not being as good as the rest of our “group.” In other words, it is important to understand what “grouping” and “labeling” truly create. Learning how to ignore these unfair actions is most important. “Choosing” is also biased and unfair. Why do some choose not to be friends with us? Even though hate and how others see us may not be something we can control, when we get bullied because of our heritage, I believe we must stand up and fight. Our heritage is what makes us unique and we must learn to embrace it, love it, and be proud of it! We must strive to become the beacon of light that leads us away from the crimes of racism, stereotypes, and bias, ultimately making the world a better place.
Judges' Comments
This is an excellent summary of a wide-ranging topic in a very short space, as well as an interesting exploration of how labels can affect a person. - A.K.
The essay compellingly blends the historical and the personal. By boldly deciphering “labels” and stereotypes in all their shades, it educates and motivates the reader to envision a more equitable future. - N.M.
This author is tackling some really complex and big ideas, and does a great job of funneling them into a call for action! I’d suggest a little more focus in the first few paragraphs of the piece – the author’s ending is full of such passion and clear direction, and I’d love to see that energy in the opening paragraphs too! And to the young writer – trust your voice and follow that vision! You have great things ahead! - S.T.