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This "disadvantage" section of L5R is taking a lot more emotional labour AND time. And it doesn't help that a lot of pushback is "it's not that bad" or "you're reading too much into it".
So let's talk about it. Specifically, let's dive into Bluntness (alt text avail). https://twitter.com/aznsrepresent/status/1319670156885331969
So let's talk about it. Specifically, let's dive into Bluntness (alt text avail). https://twitter.com/aznsrepresent/status/1319670156885331969
A "disadvantage" where you "overlook [...] implications in statements of others unless they are pointed out to you directly".
They're coding autism.
I won't go into this piece more as autism is not part of MY identity, but I trust others who have guided me here.
![A "disadvantage" where you "overlook [...] implications in statements of others unless they are pointed out to you directly".They're coding autism.I won't go into this piece more as autism is not part of MY identity, but I trust others who have guided me here.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ElCX4qAWMAERQ9Z.png "A \"disadvantage\" where you \"overlook [...] implications in statements of others unless they are pointed out to you directly\".They're coding autism.I won't go into this piece more as autism is not part of MY identity, but I trust others who have guided me here.")
They're coding autism.
I won't go into this piece more as autism is not part of MY identity, but I trust others who have guided me here.
(Small side note. Even if the writers weren't purposely coding it like this, when someone points these connections out - ESPECIALLY if it's part of their identity - it behooves you to listen.
Impact over intent.)
Impact over intent.)
So here we have to PAUSE because we NEED to talk about intersectionality. We often frame our talks around asian represent'n as it often simplifies the conversation. But that can only go so far. Being "asian" is absolutely not straight-forward; it is deeply personal and unique...
And this is made further complex by every other aspects of our identity. And try as we might, we can NEVER truly divorce pieces of our identity from the others.
Here's an example: the words of a korean-american mother with an autistic son - and their experiences.
Here's an example: the words of a korean-american mother with an autistic son - and their experiences.
cw: ablism, (internalized) racism
"We don’t seem to have any issues when asking for help if it furthers our child’s academics... But when it comes to autism... the silence becomes deafening." https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-asian-american-community/
"We don’t seem to have any issues when asking for help if it furthers our child’s academics... But when it comes to autism... the silence becomes deafening." https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-asian-american-community/
And this extra complexity does not end. Ever. The avenues by which something like Bluntness can cause harm is extremely far reaching. We can sit here for DAYS just talking about it.
So the "it's not so bad" pushback reads to me as someone doesn't understand this complexity.
So the "it's not so bad" pushback reads to me as someone doesn't understand this complexity.
But, Steve, this sounds really... complex. And you're telling me it doesn't have an end-point? Well, then what's even the point of talking about it?Well...
It's part of the PROCESS of understanding the root cause of the harm. Yes, although we will never be able to explore every vector of that harm, the exercise itself helps us GROW and foster more inclusive spaces - spaces where people (and their voices) can just BE.
I hope our work echoes further and people KEEP talking about intersectionality. I hope people keep educating ME about THEIR experiences so that I can GROW and BE BETTER.
I hope WE can grow and be better.
I hope WE can grow and be better.
You can join me and the rest of the cast tonight - and can even JOIN the conversation (or just listen if that's where you're currently at) tonight at 7pm EDT on https://twitch.tv/aznsrep
Love and respect, y'all.
Love and respect, y'all.
