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AAPIM 2021: Addressing Anti-Asian Violence: Administrator Interviews

Introduction

On this page, you will find interviews from current administrators as of the Spring 2021 semester.  Folks had the choice between a written response, a video recording, or an audio recording.  Their responses to the six questions asked are presented below.

Written Responses

Name:  Brian Lym

Position:  Director of Library Services

  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 live in rural Sonoma County, where the AAPI population is miniscule.  This is dramatically different from my prior places of residence—most recently, New York City, and prior to that San Francisco, where there AAPIs are a significant part of the urban demographic.

  1. 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. 

I have never experienced any microaggressions or untoward racist actions in my home community.  I am fortunate to live in a very socially-liberal county and community which welcomes diversity. 

  1. 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?

Such back-handed compliments I definitely received when I was a child—I never forget how a neighborhood person in San Francisco mentioned to me how I should be proud of “my” heritage and that I should naturally like horses.  She based this assumption on her love of Tang dynasty Chinese paintings she was familiar with as a supporter of the Brundage art collection museum  in San Francisco (now the Asian Art Museum).  This was an odd comment that has remained with me for 50+ years.  If I could go back to her and say that I am an 5th generation American, and only half Chinese, and so far removed from anything she thought was “my heritage” I would.

  1. 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? 

The stereotype that AAPIs are model minorities.  Continuous education—in schools, in the media—about the diversity of our AAPI communities is critical.  When I lived in NYC, I was surprised to learn that AAPIs are among the poorest demographic in that city.   As an AAPI, I frankly have held stereotypical views of AAPIs and am learning that who “we” are is highly complicated and cannot be reduced to specific attributes.

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

Continuous education—as noted above.

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

Visibly stand in support for AAPI communities. 

Video Responses