The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

As an Asian American woman, I dismissed the racism I experienced. Now I know we must confront it together.

This year has forced me to look back on moments in my life that I have brushed off

Perspective by
Lily contributor
March 26, 2021 at 2:25 p.m. EDT
(Dabin Han/For The Washington Post)

I have always been quick to dismiss the idea that I am someone who can experience racial discrimination. I know that’s something that I have to work on. I always felt as if the transgressions that happened to me were too small and that there were bigger problems to solve.

This year has forced me to look back on moments in my life that I have brushed off and confront them. Hate against Asian Americans is palpable today and permeates this country’s history. There’s only so much individual reflection can do; it’s time to act as a whole.