Anti-Asian racism is very real, and it will not be solved with an opulent rom-com or Marvel superhero, but with you - the bystanders - acknowledging the validity of our pain.
Simu LiuRead
There is something missing in Asian America. They're missing people to tell them, 'It's okay to be who you are - you belong. Just be unapologetically you; you're not less than anybody else.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and belonging, particularly for Asian Americans.
Simu Liu expresses a deep concern for the Asian American community, highlighting the lack of affirmation and support that individuals from this background often feel. He encourages people to embrace their true selves without apology, reinforcing the idea that they deserve to belong and are equal to anyone else. This message serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and acceptance in fostering confidence and community.
Themes
IdentityBelongingSelf-AcceptanceUnapologeticCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
During a cultural festival, a speaker could use this quote to inspire unity and acceptance among attendees.
More from Simu Liu
All quotes →It's hard enough to celebrate being Asian in normal times. But now, when the whole world is kind of coming down, with all this rhetoric and people getting attacked on the street, you really need to deliberately try to celebrate Asian-ness.
Simu LiuRead
I realized, if I don't step into the spotlight, and the person next to me doesn't step in, and the people around me don't step in, then who will?
Simu LiuRead
If it's true that I wouldn't have had a career if it weren't for these conversations about diversity, the importance of representation, then I need to continue to fight that battle for the people that come after me.
Simu LiuRead
The first time I tried on Shang-Chi's superhero suit - Marvel has never had an Asian lead, so that was such a rare and impactful moment, for me as an actor but also for people who look like me. I nearly cried. It was so emotional.
Simu LiuRead
Similar quotes
I don't really know what feeling Japanese or Haitian or American is supposed to feel like. I just feel like me.
Naomi OsakaRead
My hats did give me an identity. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time someone has seen me bareheaded and said, 'I almost didn't recognize you without a hat on', I could have bought the Cowboys myself.
Tom LandryRead
I live half the year in Nigeria, the other half in the U.S. But home is Nigeria - it always will be. I consider myself a Nigerian who is comfortable in the world. I look at it through Nigerian eyes.
Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieRead
I must identify myself with Africa. Then I will have an identity.
Fela KutiRead
I'm of African descent and my sister looks completely black, but I didn't look black. I was the super-nerdy kid who was also willing to fight.
Junot DiazRead
Blackness remains the coat you can't take off.
Clint SmithRead