There is power in seeing a face that looks like yours do something, be someone. There is power in moving from the sidelines to the center.
Jenny HanRead
It's important for Asian American kids to see themselves in stories and to feel seen. They need to know that their stories are universal, too, that they, too, can fall in love in a teen movie. They don't have to be the sidekick; they can be the hero.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Asian American kids need representation in stories to understand their potential and importance.
This quote highlights the significance of representation in media for Asian American youth, emphasizing that it is crucial for them to see themselves in narratives where they are not merely side characters, but the main protagonists. By doing so, they can relate to and aspire to roles in stories, reinforcing the idea that their experiences and dreams are valid and universal.
Themes
RepresentationIdentityStorytellingYouthDiversity
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher might use this quote during a discussion about the importance of diverse literature.
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