Internalized Racism, and How It Specifically Affects Mixed Minorities by: Taryn Hozdic

Internalized racism is, more often than not, the silent assailant on those who are minorities and are mixed. In a society that so heavily prioritizes and idealizes characteristics associated with white features and culture, it becomes incredibly difficult for an individual to embrace their own differences instead of abandoning them.

Speaking from personal experience, growing up ½ Chinese was particularly challenging because I do not speak Mandarin. Some of my peers would argue that I am “not Chinese enough” because I did not speak the language or speak with an accent. Others would excuse my good grades and success by stating I only accomplished those things because I am Asian.

Studies show that internalized racism “is associated with psychological distress” because individuals subconsciously support the inaccurate stereotypes set forth about their ethnic, cultural, racial, or religious groups. Therefore, it only makes sense that internalized racism has become so prominent amongst minorities, especially in the media. Seldom are Asian features or cultures highlighted unless they are for the satisfaction of someone’s “fetish” or to provide amusement to a particular audience. The bottom line is that the lack of accurate representation of minorities within the media leads to this internalized racism.

In relation to mixed minorities, it is easy for some individuals to hate one part of them while loving the other. For example, as an Asian American that is ½ white, I grew up loving my “whiteness” and attempting to suppress my “asianess.” Having blonde hair and blue eyes was significantly more desirable than the brown hair and eyes that I was born with, and I was somehow okay with this? I had been conditioned, without even noticing, into believing that my self-worth should be determined by the white side of me. That the “white part” was more important than my “Asian part.” I am not the only one who has experienced this identity crisis. This racial crisis.

So, here’s what you can do to help. Whether you have personally experienced internalized racism or are just trying to break down its barriers right now, it is important that we, as a society, encourage diverse representation within the media. Support your peers and communities that are more diverse. Uplift those around you. Watch movies, listen to music, or read books created by people that look, believe, and live differently to you. Experience others’ cultures, and maybe the media, through the actions of the mass population, will learn to become more inclusive in the process.

Edited by: Claire Xin

Internalized Racism, and How It Specifically Affects Mixed Minorities by: Taryn Hozdic

Internalized racism is, more often than not, the silent assailant on those who are minorities and are mixed. In a society that so heavily prioritizes and idealizes characteristics associated with white features and culture, it becomes incredibly difficult for an individual to embrace their own differences instead of abandoning them.

Speaking from personal experience, growing up ½ Chinese was particularly challenging because I do not speak Mandarin. Some of my peers would argue that I am “not Chinese enough” because I did not speak the language or speak with an accent. Others would excuse my good grades and success by stating I only accomplished those things because I am Asian.

Studies show that internalized racism “is associated with psychological distress” because individuals subconsciously support the inaccurate stereotypes set forth about their ethnic, cultural, racial, or religious groups. Therefore, it only makes sense that internalized racism has become so prominent amongst minorities, especially in the media. Seldom are Asian features or cultures highlighted unless they are for the satisfaction of someone’s “fetish” or to provide amusement to a particular audience. The bottom line is that the lack of accurate representation of minorities within the media leads to this internalized racism.

In relation to mixed minorities, it is easy for some individuals to hate one part of them while loving the other. For example, as an Asian American that is ½ white, I grew up loving my “whiteness” and attempting to suppress my “asianess.” Having blonde hair and blue eyes was significantly more desirable than the brown hair and eyes that I was born with, and I was somehow okay with this? I had been conditioned, without even noticing, into believing that my self-worth should be determined by the white side of me. That the “white part” was more important than my “Asian part.” I am not the only one who has experienced this identity crisis. This racial crisis.

So, here’s what you can do to help. Whether you have personally experienced internalized racism or are just trying to break down its barriers right now, it is important that we, as a society, encourage diverse representation within the media. Support your peers and communities that are more diverse. Uplift those around you. Watch movies, listen to music, or read books created by people that look, believe, and live differently to you. Experience others’ cultures, and maybe the media, through the actions of the mass population, will learn to become more inclusive in the process.

Edited by: Claire Xin