Season 1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Đang Đi Đâu?
Where Are You Going?
As Vietnamese Americans, our stories continuously converge and intersect.
In this season, we talk about where we come from and where we are going as a community. As a part of the AAPI community, we dive into topics of the model minority myth, affirmative action, mental health, and much more.
Episodes
Kiếm (Searching)
Episode 1
As the Model Minority Myth perpetuates a standard of ethics and character upon the APIDA community, it places the community on a pedestal that challenges individualism, mental health, and even community growth. Through this episode, we explore these instances as we continue to introduce the stereotype that binds us into a status quo. While we continue to search within ourselves, we look through history to determine the severity of these wounds.
“The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.” -Bangtan Boys, Butterfly
Sự Thật (Truth)
Episode 2
One of the biggest instances the Model Minority Myth has held the APIDA community in this monolithic perspective by other people is data disaggregation, which concentrates the variety of these ethnicities into one category. In this episode, we uncover the harsh realities and behind this concentration and the harmful stigmas created by data disaggregation. Looking deeper, we also consider the case study of affirmative action and observe the divisions and controversy it can form.
“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” -John Wooden
Mơ (Dream)
Episode 3
America is known for being the land of dreams, a place where success and prosperity is achievable for those who seek it. Immigrants from all around the world have come to America in pursuit of this American Dream. In today's episode, Megan, Michelle P., and Tyler discuss how perceptions of the American Dream have changed and how it manifests in the lives of today's refugees.
“The American Dream is a phrase we’ll have to wrestle with all our lives. It means a lot of things to different people. I think we’re redefining it now.” –Rita Dove
Chúng Ta (Us)
Episode 4
The Model Minority Myth, as well as many other problems, that we discuss in our podcast does not only pertain to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It affects all immigrants and people of color. Thereby, it's only just that we recognize that these problems do not only target one group but rather many at the same time, as we work together to bring equity for all. In this episode, our members have to come together to discuss the varying situations that our BIPOC communities face and our hope for a more equitable future.
"The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better." -Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Roots (Rễ)
Episode 5
The model minority myth conceals many struggles faced by the AAPI community, one of them being mental health. In this first episode of a two-part exploration of mental health, Michelle P., Truc, and Tyler look into the roots of mental health and how it is experienced by older generations, particularly refugees. Having to face a whole new setting, feelings of isolation, and the lack of support due to cultural stigma had damaged many's mental health. In this episode, we looked into the roots of the problem and discussed the many ways that may help bring a brighter and better mental health into the picture.
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close
Chữa Lành (Healing)
Episode 6
Despite the continuous reminders that people see regarding making sure to take care of themselves throughout their daily lives, it’s not the easiest topic to discuss amongst the households of AAPI communities. Continuing our two-part exploration of health, this episode discusses how the mental health stigma has fostered from parents to children while growing up, and how it could affect the familial dynamic. We also discuss how this stigma has impacted the current generation throughout our daily lives, such as academia and in a workspace, while emphasizing the importance of fostering well-being for ourselves.
"At the root of this dilemma is the way we view mental health in this country. Whether an illness affects your leg or your brain, it's still an illness, and there should be no distinction." – Michelle Obama
Ngẫm Nghĩ (Reflection)
Episode 7
Wrapping up season one, in this episode, our whole team is present to reflect on the things we have discussed on our podcast as well as behind the scenes throughout the past three months. When we started this podcast, there were many things we were concerned with and many boundaries that we drew to create a safe space that welcomes all conversations. After this event season, we have come back together as a whole team to discuss the things we have learned and the things we are thankful for. Most importantly, we came to emphasize that although we created a podcast to bring out topics to light, our greater goal is for you to continue the conversation.
"The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better." – Henry Ford