This episode we explore the experiences of going to school as a British East Asian.

School is something the mass majority of us have been through and have fond memories of favourite subjects, teachers and childhood friends. There is however the many challenges which come with identity when going to school as a British East Asian. The realisation that you are different from the other kids around you comes very early on as does the experience of racism and stereotyping, direct or subtle. There is also the responsibility to uphold your values and represent your culture as a model minority all whilst trying to fit in and score that A grade. 

As ESEA we are not just any minority but the minority minority which comes with differences out of our control and it's not just the way we look which is different to our peers, but the way we live, particularly the environment we go home to. The challenge of cultural dynamic and social interaction at school vs at home is it's own juggling act and the source of a widely experienced social disconnect that doesn't prepare many of us for the 'real world'. As western society remains at the front door, so does the learning and application of it. 

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/crazybritasian

Asian Recommendation

Year of the OX - https://www.youtube.com/c/YEAROFTHEOX

Korean American Hip Hop Duo based in LA who have two impactful songs about the rise of xenophobia and asian hate crime during the pandemic. Have made songs with some of the biggest names in Kpop such as Jay Park, Jessi, Nafla, Tiger JK and more. Catch Lyricks on twitch.tv/oxgang for an introduction to the wonders of Twitch.

Songs

Viral - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du3GbOfpHtg

Captain America - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69bTA33H0pw

IG

@Officialyox - https://www.instagram.com/officialyox

@Lyricks - https://www.instagram.com/yox_rick

@JL - https://www.instagram.com/yox_jl