The TED talk “Don’t feel sorry for refugees—believe in them” by Luma Mufleh talks about how when some people think of immigrants, some people get disgusted while others just feel bad. Although feeling bad is better than feeling disgust, immigrants don’t want you to feel bad. They want to be treated equally. Instead of pitying immigrants, we should encourage them and give them our support, just as we should do for everyone else.“Don’t feel sorry for refugees—believe in them”. “I couldn’t explain to her why someone tried to rip off her mothers hijab when they were grocery shopping, or why a player on an opposing team called her a terrorist and told her to go back to where she came from.” (Mufleh 4)
In my book, Private Label by Kelly Yang follows the story of the only two asian kids in the town, Lian and Serene. Although they are both Asian, they experience racism in different ways, despite Serne being popular and Lian being outcasted. Lian is bullied and ridiculed in person and at school by his peers, and his mother is super strict about him being successful within their culture, unlike she was. Serene's mother makes clothing, and although she is successful, they are often told their more “ethical” designs are controversial, and how nobody really cares for Asian fashion. “Mrs. Brooks looks skeptical. “You’re saying Stu copied off of you?” … She gives me a look like C’mon. “It’s American English.” The insinuation—that I can’t do well on American history—burns in my throat as Mrs. Brooks calls Stu over. . . . Is it that hard to believe that a Chinese person is capable of learning the history of this country?” (Yang 121 & 122) The book concludes by the two finding joy in each other and realizing it doesn’t matter what other people think and how beautiful friendships can grow from something that you’d never expect.
The two are connected because Lian and Serene don’t want people to feel bad for them or like they are lesser. The kids just want to be treated as equal, as does Luma Mufleh in her Ted Talk.
How do the characters in your book connect through the struggles they face?
For participants:
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