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.
More from Jenny Han
All quotes →Similar quotes
Many who have had an opportunity of knowing any more about mathematics confuse it with arithmetic, and consider it an arid science. In reality, however, it is a science which requires a great amount of imagination.
Sofia KovalevskayaRead
All that being a college coach has done, is it's reaffirmed the need to take care of our young people. They're the ones that are going to make a difference. We spend a lot of time blaming them for stuff, and not enough time mentoring them and helping them stand on their own two feet.
Tom IzzoRead
The problem in our country isn't with books being banned, but with people no longer reading. Look at the magazines, the newspapers around us - it's all junk, all trash, tidbits of news. The average TV ad has 120 images a minute. Everything just falls off your mind. You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
Ray BradburyRead
A conventional truth can be important - it's essential to learn elementary mathematics, for example - but it won't give you an edge. It's not a secret.
Peter ThielRead
Mastering the art of asking questions is essential to creativity and innovation. A More Beautiful Question should be standard reading for all aspiring design thinkers as well an inspiration to those searching for a life of curiosity and meaning.
Tim BrownRead
Islam tells us every girl and boy should be educated. I don't know why the Taliban have forgotten it.
Malala YousafzaiRead