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You Don’t Need To Be Perfect At Everything
Sometimes being #2 or #3 is smarter, better, and more liberating.
A few weeks ago I watched John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight show where he spoke about Asian Americans. In the video, he broke down how Americans have clumped together with the various ethnicities that comprise the term, their history, and all-around aimed to bring understanding to his viewership.
Even though I’m not American, Canada has offered similar vibes to our American counterparts.
They were first brought in to do gruelling labour, however, they weren’t deported once the work was done. I know this because my dad recounts the story of how many people from that minority opened up Chinese and Asian cuisine restaurants, laundry mats, and small convenience stores all across Canada.
But despite that, there was still that overwhelming pressure to perform exceedingly well and succeed. My classmates who have Asian heritage were pushed to perform in various areas in life from a young age.
It’s to the point that we still have the same stereotypical thinking that many Americans have. That Asians Americans/Canadians are brilliant, hard workers, and excel at everything. That they’re an “ideal minority” or “perfect examples”.
