Episode 11 – Asian American Voices Fighting COVID-19 Hate with Nydia Han

Show Notes

On This Episode:

In the SituAsian Room, Emilie, and Zach welcome Nydia Han to talk about the power of our voices as Asian Americans during the coronavirus era, standing against hate, being forever foreigners, and her signature series #ThisIsAmerica. Nydia Han is an Emmy award-winning television journalist and the creator of #ThisIsAmerica, a social media movement and three-part documentary series about racism.

Introduction Topics:

Anti-Asian Bias and Political Rhetoric

Key Topics of the Episode:

Nydia’s path to sharing her voice and becoming a journalist
Being an activist for the Asian American community after being yelled at “This Is America!” leading her to start her docuseries #ThisIsAmerica
The importance of talking about who we are as Asian Americans
Being a forever foreigner/perpetual foreigner
The Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA)
Why to speak up when Asian Americans are attacked

“Be proud of who you are. You are American and you are Asian American and you belong in this country and that is not something you have to fight for that is simply a right that you have.”
Nydia Han

Confronting people leaving hate comments in #ThisIsAmerican
Talking to people who are different than us gives us the opportunity for people to better understand our community instead of just preaching to the choir
Nydia’s upbringing and her journey to understanding her identity

Short Reflection

In a time where anti-Asian rhetoric infused with the frustration of COVID-19, it’s easier than every to feel that as an Asian American we are no longer accepted or welcomed in our own home country. Reflecting upon our interview with Nydia, her words assert strength and reject any idea that we as people of Asian descent are un-American.

Resources Mentioned, Suggested Readings, Social Media Handles:

Where to connect with Nydia Han:

Connect with Us:

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of The SituAsian Room! Make sure you guys follow us on social media and stay up to date on all of our upcoming episodes:
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Follow us on Instagram: @TheSituAsianRoom
- Like us on Facebook
Since you’re already on our website…check out our blog! As we continue to release episodes, we also post content on our blog that talks more about the topic we discuss in the SituAsian Room!