Finding Your Voice
Written by Jodi Chen
If you think that “finding your voice” is difficult as an AAPI, I understand. For a long time, I didn’t share a lot of my experiences and thoughts. I was afraid that my views would not be accepted and I didn’t want to stand out. I wanted to be liked. The thought “what would they think of me?” was constantly in the back of my mind. Over the years, I found myself staying silent because I didn’t think my opinions mattered. I agreed to other people’s point of views and stifled my own voice. Although I wanted people to like me, I realized that people could only like the real me if I allowed others in. When we find our voice, we find the freedom to get to know more about who we are.
Gaman, a Japanese term derived from Zen Buddhist origin, means “enduring the unbearable with patience and dignity.” What is seen as the highest virtue and inner strength in our cultures is being misperceived by America as a lack of assertiveness or initiative. Living through this unique and difficult time as an AAPI has taught me that silence can be expensive. It costs us our safety, our opportunities, and our voice. In the face of injustice, should we still have gaman (‘unquestionable obedience’) or should we speak up despite the cost? For many of us, being AAPI means having to balance our Asian culture vs. what America teaches you. Often, it’s a struggle between submitting to authority vs. free will.
We all have something to say. The fact that most of us in the AAPI community would rather not be seen nor heard is keeping us from moving forward. In your own way, I hope you find the courage within yourself to stand up and speak out against injustices, and let that be ok. Speaking out is not disobedience; it’s the beginning of a conversation to challenge the status quo and a step towards making the world a better place. It is why we call this newsletter the Drum Circle because although we may each have our unique rhythmic beat, we can still come together to make sweet music that LA County longs to hear.
On behalf of LACAAEA, I’d like to encourage you and all fellow AAPIs to come together to share your experiences and showcase your talents. We have many opportunities not just through our newsletter, but also through various media platforms. We want to provide opportunities for our members to showcase their unique journey and hear their perspectives on various issues that do matter such as why AAPIs should care about redistricting LA County or get inspired by AAPI Olympic athletes and esteemed AAPI women leaders: Chief Deputy Director of Medical Examiner-Coroner, Akiko Tagawa and former Monterey Park major, Lily Lee Chan.
Our Voice Is Our Power!
LACAAEA will continue to work with leaders of the AAPI non-profits and the County to advocate for the AAPI community and the County’s employees. Please help us in our effort. There are many ways for you to get involved.:
Be an ally. Share with family, friends and colleagues about LACAAEA.
Get informed by subscribing to our email notifications, connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn to receive events announcements, and checking out to our YouTube channel.
Whether you’re a former or current County employee or an ally, join our membership to provide your unique voice and perspective on AAPI matters.
We’re looking for volunteer help, especially communicators and organizers. Whether you have experience, we’ll train you. If interested, please email us at [email protected].
Jodi has been working for LA County for over 12 years. Prior to the County, she worked in a wide-range of professions for 20 years, including becoming an award-winning Graphic Designer. She began her County service as a clerk and promoted through various departments including CSSD, DCFS, Fire, and BOS. She is now a Management Secretary for Internal Services Dept. As a volunteer member of the county’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) equity team, she is passionate about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jodi has been a SoCal native after immigrating from Taiwan with her family when she was younger. She is an adventurous foodie, enjoys trying out dishes from different cultures, and hopes to travel more after the pandemic. Jodi continues to stay involved in the local community as a parent advocate for the special needs community.
