OVER THE PAST several months, as a student journalist, I have noticed that Asian students, both Chinese and South Asian, have been largely absent from the pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus.
The apparent lack of Asian students showing boots on the ground raises critical questions about the role of race in activism nowadays and how young people prefer to support political causes, such as opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
I’m a senior in high school, an Asian and an aspiring college student and journalist, so the topic of student activism is not only relevant but also deeply personal. Over the past few weeks, I have engaged in conversations with my peers about our views on participating in demonstrations. Physical presence at a demonstration is not the only way of showing involvement. There is also the online alternative.
For me, and many of my classmates, physical demonstrations, such as sit-ins and marches, hold a certain significance of coming together that can’t be found through an online presence. These events show direct action, providing a tangible way to voice dissent and demand change. The historical significance of such protests, from the Civil Rights Movement to anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, emphasizes their impact, even before the mainstream media take notice.
However, participating in these protests is not without its challenges. Many of my classmates express concerns about safety, especially in light of recent events where peaceful protests have encountered police officers who have made arrests. Winding up in jail could effectively derail one’s college plans.
There is also the practical issue of balancing academic responsibilities with activism, a challenge that is particularly acute for Asian students who often face significant family pressure to keep up their grades.
www.activism
In contrast, digital activism offers a more accessible and effective alternative. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook provide a space where we can engage with issues, share information, and mobilize support without the need to be physically present. The convenience of these platforms cannot be overstated as they allow us to participate in activism from anywhere, at any time without the risk of running afoul of the law.
Many of my peers, including myself, find the digital space to be a powerful tool. Campaigns such as those organized by Kenji Jones and Carolyn Kang on Instagram, which address anti-Asian hate crimes by distributing safety devices and raising awareness, highlight the effectiveness of online activism. The ability to quickly raise funds, spread information, and organize community support demonstrates the potential of digital platforms to drive meaningful change.
Many Asians are engaging with current events, but they do it discretely on social media platforms. These digital spaces offer a more convenient and, arguably, safer way to participate in activism.
Nevertheless, physical demonstrations create a sense of urgency and draw immediate media attention, potentially leading to quicker responses from authorities and institutions. They also provide a sense of community and collective action that can be empowering for participants — a feeling that’s hard to match through digital activism.
When I go to college and turn to a career in journalism, these experiences and reflections will shape how I engage with and report on activism. Balancing the immediacy and impact of traditional protests with the reach and convenience of digital platforms will be key to my peer group’s efforts in advocating for and documenting social justice.
Historically, Asian students have been perceived as less engaged in visible forms of protest, such as sit-ins and marches. According to the Pew Research Center, only 8% of protesters identified as Asian who attended a rally focused on racial equality in June 2020. How come?
Finding their voice
Several factors play a role: cultural values that emphasize respect for authority and conflict avoidance, pressure to excel academically, often leaving little time for extracurricular activities, including political demonstrations, and simply having limited awareness of current events.
However, this does not imply a lack of political engagement among Asian students. According to the American Freshman Survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed, a collection of responses from more than 141,000 first-year students during their first few weeks of college, about 18% of Asian freshmen reported that influencing political structures was an important goal, compared to about one-third of black students and more than a quarter of Latino students. The convenience and accessibility of digital activism make it an attractive option for many students — during the Black Lives Matter movement, 20% of Asian social media users said they posted or shared content related to the cause.
Many Asians are engaging with current events, but they do it discretely on social media platforms. These digital spaces offer a more convenient and, arguably, safer way to participate in activism. They allow students to voice their opinions, share information, and organize without the physical risks associated with on-the-ground protests.
About the author
Jeannine Chiang is a journalist and high school student in California. She is the managing editor of the student newspaper, The Burlingame B, and her work has been featured in The Nation, Microsoft Network, The Los Angeles Post, Ethnic Media Services, and KTSF Channel 26.