In the article, “Racism is Ingrained in Asian American Communities. We Can Change That” by Chelsey Zhu, the author discusses how racism is embedded within the Asian Community as a stance against racism. In the genre of a personal essay, Zhu writes about 2 experiences in her life and how it affects her today and why she decided to write this article. While also providing credibility, Zhu uses her own experience and identity as an Asian American to explain how racism exists inside the Asian Community. Zhu begins with what her parents told her, that she couldn’t date a black person, and how they justified racism by seeing themselves as “model minority” and the fact that, they were immigrants who started off with nothing and was able to rise into a middle class. However, they did not consider how prevalent racism is in the US, that would prevent the black community to do as the best as they can. Then Zhu discusses how George Floyd, who was a factor, that sparked the Black Lives Matter protest, allowed her to analyze her own community. She realizes that everyone within the Asian community must confront the idea of racism and that they have a duty to not be silent on this issue. Zhu addresses to the Asian American community, that the idea of going up against elders and family members who don’t understand the concept of racism unlike the younger generation, would not be a sign of disrespect. We should confront, explain, and educate them. The Asian community can do something that can help address the social issue of racism.

Alice Liu

Intended Major: Computer Science

Pronouns: She/Her

As a freshman in college, I was already nervous about one thing. Whether or not I would be able to survive a college-level English course. And it certainly did not help that we were doing online classes because distractions are everywhere. However, upon looking through the syllabus, my concerns lessened when I discover that we would be able to discuss societal norms and values and how it would challenge social justice. Living during a time where we can fight for social justice and promote change, has always been an interest in mine. Being able to discuss these topics allows me to assure myself that I would be engaged in class and that I would hopefully do well.

Although initially, engagement was a worry of mine, another concern was that writing has always been a weakness for me. The hardest part is being able to write in a good flow. As a result, oftentimes, my writing may sound “childish” and not “mature”. It does not sound that good when you read it. However, I do intend to overcome this weakness of mine and learn new things through the critique of my peers and instructor. A strength in mine when it comes to writing would be the ability to conduct research. I am able to find several detailed information that I would incorporate in my writing, to inform my audience.

Several qualities would make a writing piece be considered ‘good’. An example of the qualities would be, good flow to the writing, no grammar mistakes, and that you can engage the reader or audience without bombarding them with information. Instead, you utilize unique techniques to engage them. Of course, none of these would be possible if you weren’t focused. One has to be focused because it allows you to be in this state of mind where you think about how you should structure your writing, and it just allows you to have this flow of information and ideas flow out of your brain onto a piece of paper. Being able to write well is so significant because you are effectively able to get your ideas/message across to your audience whether it is to inform or persuade them. You can ignite change or inspiration through your writing.

With the intention of going into the field of computer science, I would need to write really well because it is crucial in career opportunities. When finding a job, it’s hard. A factor that sets you apart from other applicants is if your able to get your ideas across important people, whether it is your boss, an investor, or your team. If people are unable to understand what your code means through your writing, why would they work with you or hire you?