Redefining Asian Masculinity
I was recently interviewed by Global News and Entertainment Tonight Canada about my work with the Asian Gold Ribbon (AGR) Campaign, where I serve as the Director of Youth & Education.
The AGR Campaign is a non-profit organization fighting against anti-Asian racism, promoting Asian mental health through education, and celebrating Asian heritage and culture. For Asian Heritage Month, their theme is “Redefining Asian Masculinity.” This is an appropriate topic to share here at Crescent School, given our student population and the time we spend exploring what it means “to be a man” and to be masculine. It is also a sensitive topic, especially for Asians, as we work to evolve and dismantle toxic traits while carrying the weight of generational pressures and expectations.
Eastern and western cultures share different and unique views on masculinity. Understanding this takes time and patience. When I was younger, I was brought up to not complain and to be obedient, to listen first and speak when asked. As a minority, asking for help was not just a sign of weakness, but could carry the burden of shame. Traditionally, Asian men are expected to demonstrate perfectionism, confidence, and strive to be our best selves. These expectations can carry immense weight in order to show honour for our parents. This belief in perfectionism can eliminate the possibility of being who you want to be. Learning how to embrace both eastern and western cultures has been a journey for me. It makes me feel more Canadian as I balance traits from both cultures with respect to who I am as a person. Honing in on developing my identity and values has been part of the process of redefining my masculinity. I aim to impart to my students the masculine trait of self-discovery and personal growth, as I strive to refine my own values and identity as I get older.
Masculinity is continuously evolving. Increasing acceptance, tolerance, and understanding expand the range of possibilities for what can be considered masculine. At Crescent, we offer a wide range of opportunities for students to nurture their interests and discover which pathway to take. As a physical education teacher, embracing talents, taking risks, and acquiring new skills are integral to self-discovery. The life skills acquired by students on their journey not only provide boundaries but also shape our authentic selves, encompassing our understanding of masculinity.
Redefining Asian masculinity is about discovering who you are and who you want to be. Knowing who you are and being proud of your roots is part of the journey of developing healthy masculinity. I encourage our students to actively seek opportunities to explore their interests and discover authentic friendships on their journey. To all the allies in our community, please continue your admirable efforts as Upstanders, leading with kindness and emphasizing the significance of ongoing progress. This work is rewarding and worth every ounce of effort. Together we can try and take purposeful steps to learn from one another so that our school can become a more robust and inclusive institution for everyone to feel a sense of belonging.
