Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Spotlight – Amy Wong

In the month of May we take time to reflect and amplify the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have contributed to our shared history. In doing so, we have conducted an interview with Amy Wong to highlight and share experiences around the culture. We encourage everyone to join us in supporting and celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.

INTERVIEW WITH AMY WONG: 

1. Can you share with us the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
   Just like all cultural heritage months celebrated in the United States, the AANHPI heritage month celebrated in May signifies the historical contributions and continuous commitment of this community brings to this country. It serves as a reminder that through challenges and triumphs, the AANHPI community continues to make a significant impact towards our shared values to build a unity.

2. What does this month mean to you personally?
   It means an exciting time to participate in many cultural events in local communities, such as food festivals, art exhibitions, cultural celebration events, business workshops. It is very nice to be able to enjoy these activities that remind me of “a taste of home” with my family here and introduce these cultural traditions to my child.
3. Can you tell us about your heritage and cultural background?
   I was born and raised in the capitol of China, Beijing. Mandarin Chinese is my native language.
4. How do you celebrate your heritage and culture during this month?
   Good question. I wish I could do a better job to celebrate my heritage and culture during this month. Although my family observes and celebrates major holidays such as the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival (or known as the Mooncake Festival), the Dragon Boat Festival, we have not done anything specific in May to celebrate the AANHPI month. I do pay a lot of attention to the community events organized in May and try to participate.

5. What are some common misconceptions or stereotypes about your heritage, and how do you address them?
   To be honest, I do not feel a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes here in the environment I am in. Maybe because this community is very diverse and welcoming. As a parent, I am sure people have heard about some stereotypes of Chinese parents, such as being strict disciplinarians, imposing high expectations and academic pressure on their children, emphasis on obedience, and focus on traditional values, just to name a few. I can relate to some of these stereotypes, and I do not think negatively about, for example, teaching our children to have high standards. There are certain stereotypes such as being obedient that I personally do not agree upon, and I try to encourage my child to have his own voice and opinions.

6. Could you share a notable figure or moment in history from your heritage that you believe deserves more recognition?
   I think when people think of the notable moment in history, we often refer to the past. I believe what is happening now requires a great recognition in history that we are living through. For my Chinese heritage, China’s current lead on green technology innovation, manufacture of electric vehicles, and air quality control deserves more recognition than being seen as a country or culture that is uncreative or uninventive.

7. In what ways do you think your heritage has influenced your identity and experiences?
   I am very proud of my heritage and identity as Chinese. My work ethic and perseverance from my cultural heritage have contributed to my success professionally and personally. Valuing harmony, a belief rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, has made it easy for me to make friends in a foreign country with people from diverse backgrounds and in team dynamics.
8. What challenges have you faced as a member of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander community, and how have you overcome them?
   Asians age well with our look. Sometimes I feel looking younger than my age has put me at a disadvantage professionally. People assume I am much younger and treat me like I do not know much and then act surprised when they realize I do. I cannot say I have overcome this challenge, although I try to keep my grey hair as it is.
9. How can people outside of your community support and uplift Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander voices and causes?
   I believe people can support and uplift AANHPI community by taking time to listen, educate, and understand individual and cultural differences, engaging in dialogues and collaborations, and stand against discrimination and hate.
10. Looking to the future, what do you hope to see in terms of representation and recognition for your community?
    I hope to see more AANHPI representation in corporate and business leadership positions, including executive roles, boards of directors, and entrepreneurship. I also hope to see increased recognition and celebration of AANHPI contributions in educational settings, community engagement, arts, and culture. Overall, I hope to see a society that fully embraces and celebrates the rich diversity of the AANHPI community.