QIAN ZHANG ASA 115, Week 2 Reading blog

In the article “Part Asian, 100% Hapa: A Retrospective,” Kip Fullbeck acknowledges the role of specific bodies in the society in making individuals aware and proud of their races. I feel that through the Hapa project, there is a real need for both mixed races and multiracial individuals to uphold their origin and culture. I feel that Fullbeck wanted every individual, especially those that belong to the mixed race to avoid the confusion and embrace their origin. Further, I feel that Fullbeck wanted mixed races to feel part and parcel of the society to help eliminate stigma. Besides, l feel that the Hapa project is a full representation of the strategies that have been put in place to help reduce racism.

I feel that through Terasa’s story, women are the most vulnerable individuals in the society. They are easily discouraged with how society views them. In this case, women, as opposed to men, suffer specific gender stereotypes as well as racial stereotypes. Does this mean that women will forever be viewed as the weakest gender from one generation to the other? Can society entirely change their perception about women and their place in society?

From the idea of relieving the multiracial from the burdens they face, I feel that Kip Fullbeck wanted readers to identify the danger of a single story. Single stories make other racial groups form a negative perception about other racial groups. These ideas eliminate the chances of positive attitudes and knowledge. Most importantly, I feel that through the stories, multiracial individuals understand the nature of belonging to different races. What still keeps me surprised is the increased chances of a single story about specific races. Does it mean that society does not have positive minded individuals who can completely eradicate racial discrimination?