rep·re·sent/ˌrepriˈzent/Verb

You’ve gotta REPRESENT!

That’s what I hear all the time during class. But what does that really mean? In our cultural competency class, we discuss issues that are so heavy, and really a lot of times, seem like there is no answer to. Racism, Ageism, Sexism, Ableism…the list goes on.

Something I’m beginning to notice is, I’m expected to represent. My gender, race, religion, etc etc. In fact, the moment I open my mouth in class, I am speaking on behalf of whatever it is people identify me as. And the thought of this really overwhelms me. There was once a time when I refused to take Asian American classes because I thought, I’m not Asian American, I’m Asian, I grew up in Asia!! But now I wish I knew more, I wish I cared more in the past. It doesn’t matter what experiences I’ve had, or who I feel that I am inside, the reality is, the moment I speak, I represent.

Now if I could only be a better representation… :0\

This made me laugh:

Represent? http://boonesentertainment.com/t_shirts

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