AAPIM 2021: Addressing Anti-Asian Violence: Student Interviews

Name: Paul Ruiz

Major: Undecided

1. What does it mean to be Asian American and/or Pacific Islander in Napa (or your home community, if you live outside of Napa)?

I represent the values and sacrifices of my parents who came to this country for a better life. I carry their pride, their hopes, and their sense of dignity. Really though, this sentiment could apply to others regardless of their ethnic background. I have seen a change in how Asians are perceived, and how we perceive ourselves. We have become more vocal and more motivated to have a seat at the table, whether in politics or in business.

To be AAPI in the Bay Area means to stand up for our rights and the rights of others in solidarity. It means having to speak up when people say or do things that are hurtful or wrong, even if they didn’t mean it that way. Sometimes we have to provide our perspectives to help educate and enlighten others.

2. Have you ever experienced any microaggressions or other forms of violence at NVC and/or in your home community? If so, please share what you experienced and how you responded. 

As a child, I had to walk a half mile to our school on a rural road. I was in 6^th grade. My two younger sisters were in 1^st and 5^th grade, and we would walk together. There was a house by itself on the road where adults and teens would occasionally harass us, calling us “rice balls,” as we walked past their house. This was in 1976. My job was to get my sisters to school and not to be involved in confrontations. Besides, what could an 11 year old boy do? So I used to tell my sisters, “I like rice balls” to make them laugh. I am now 57 years old. Those teenagers are now in their early 60’s, and somewhere out there, their anti-Asian sentiments exist.

As an adult in business meetings, I have heard co-workers with advanced degrees and in positions of management joke about Asians as dog-eaters. I really do not think they are bad people, but rather incredibly insensitive. I called them out on this. I asked them if they would feel comfortable making fried chicken and watermelon jokes about Black people? They were stunned I would even bring this up. And I said of course you should be aghast at this suggestion. But why would you feel it would be okay to mock Asians in this similar way?

3. Have you ever received a back-handed compliment based on your heritage?  What was this “compliment” and how would you explain to this person why what they said was really an insult?

“You people are really good at math.”  I told them that I was a statistical outlier, which I suppose showed them I knew something about math....darn!

4. What are some common AAPI stereotypes that you have witnessed? What are some of the assumptions behind the stereotypes, and how can bias be reduced? 

1. We’re bad drivers. Not gonna lie. That’s a little true. But there are bad drivers everywhere from every group of people.
2. I think that AAPI people are viewed by some as being racist, particularly towards African Americans. This may be more common with our parent’s generation. My wife is from Africa and my mother was not accepting. Once she got to know my wife and the children came, she totally turned around and even learned some African customs.

5. What are some effective methods for combating violence and hatred directed toward the AAPI community?

A greater voice. Standing up for our community in our community. Greater education about how the AAPI community is a rich, diverse, and integral part of this country’s history and future.

6. How can allies and friends of AAPI community members support the AAPI community and combat violence and racism against the AAPI community?

Allies and friends can learn about the issues the AAPI community faces, and ultimately how these issues affect everyone directly or indirectly. Greater social awareness within your own circles, and speaking up against racism when you see or hear it.