The Cultural Beat: Cross Cultural Center E-Newsletter

The Asian American community makes up nearly 40% of the UC Davis campus population. However, the umbrella term "Asian" is used to classify so many different people that identities are lost, especially as the model minority status is imposed. According to the model minority myth, Asian Americans are naturally smart, good at math, rich, etc. The goal of this program was to educate attendees on stereotypes that are propelled by the model minority myth and the uniqueness of the different ethnicities that make up the API group. What was especially unique about this program was that everything from the planning process to the actual debut was run by volunteers who wanted to gain programming experience. By de-mythologizing the model minority program for themselves through research, interviews, and group dialogues, these volunteers were able to successfully extend this knowledge to attendees and are now more aware of the diversity that exists within the API community.

-Connie Bi
Asian Pacific Islander Community Intern

Reunite and Communicate
April 20, 2009

The program Reunite and Communicate was a true success. Three other student leaders helped facilitate: Lula Ahmed-Falol, Jon Teklai, and Wayne Lindsay. The first year students were joined by juniors and seniors within the community and were able to reflect on their year here at Davis. We started the program off with a silent exercise. Everyone took a piece of paper and wrote down a comment, question, or suggestion they had and each note was anonymous and read out loud. Afterwards we engaged in a great discussion with all the participants about certain comments that really stuck out. Overall, the program was great and the crowd really enjoyed it.

-Momo Newbon
African Diaspora Community Intern

Asian Pacific Culture Week
April 20 - 24, 2009

AHHH!!! De-Stress Me! / Economic Depression = Depressed Students
April 22 / April 24

When we think of stress, we usually just think of the physical symptoms, neglecting the mental aspects of it. These mental aspects of stress are the leading factors to suicide and depression. Asian, Pacific Islander Americans make up a large percentage of the overall UC Davis campus, yet seem to receive the least number of services related to mental/physical health. This may be due to the stigmas associated with receiving counseling services. This program was done in collaboration with CAPS as a safe way for students to explore issues of stress in the API cultural contex

t. Participants were able to practice sitting and walking meditation, as well as venting out their stressors.

Many people have been affected by the failing economy of the United States. This recession has had a significant impact on people of color. This workshop not only allowed students to learn about the added stress to API community and other people of color as brought on by the economic recession, but also provided the attendees with an opportunity to talk to a representative from the Internship and Career Center and learn about financial aid services.

-Connie Bi
Asian Pacific Islander Community Intern

API/Black Miscommunication and Misconceptions
April 23

There seems to be a rift between the Asian, Pacific Islander community and the Black community on the UC Davis campus. By providing a safe space for students to express their misconceptions and miscommunications about the other community, expressions of stereot

ypes, frustrations, and the yearning for more cross-cultural communication. This program was a starting point for these two communities to come together and alleviate some of the tension that exists. A Part 2 of this intra-community dialogue is planned for Black Family Week.

-Connie Bi
Asian Pacific Islander Community Intern