At Berkeley High School, some biracial Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) students are able to find a balance between their identities and proudly celebrate their cultures. “With my family as my support system, I am able to embrace my white, Asian, and Black culture, which fills pride in my identity,” said Deja Anderson, a sophomore at BHS.
People of mixed AAPI heritage can experience many challenges, particularly when it comes to stereotypes. Managing both sides of their identity can be overwhelming, leading them to feel pressured to fit in while also feeling isolated. “I have had situations where people have told me ‘you’re just not black enough’ or ‘you’re too white,’ which makes me feel a lot more divided from my identities,” Anderson said.
However, by embracing their diverse cultural backgrounds, these students can celebrate their unique identities. “It’s a positive thing that I’m both Mexican and Asian. I get the best out of both sides and it changes the way I perceive the world,” Crescencio “Chencho” Soto-Vigil-Koon, a BHS sophomore, said. Berkeley’s diverse community fosters an environment of acceptance, where people are more free to explore and express their identities without fear of judgment. “Berkeley is an accepting environment with people who have diverse cultures and beliefs, I don’t think I have ever felt uncomfortable about who I am here,” Akanni Owodunni, a BHS sophomore, said.
In the media, representation of mixed AAPI individuals is still lacking, and finding relatable role models can be difficult. Lack of representation can be another driving factor for isolation, as mixed individuals struggle to find media figures who reflect their experiences. “I haven’t seen any mixed AAPI actors in the media, which sort of makes you feel solitary. I wish there were more features of someone who has the same identity as me on (television) shows or movies,” Soto-Vigil-Koon, said.
Although the media struggles with diversity, progress is more present in sports, where mixed-AAPI athletes like Rui Hachimura of the Lakers offer new strides of representation. “I see a good amount of mixed athletes like Rui Hachimura from the Lakers. He’s also Blasian like me, so it’s good to see people higher up like that,” Owodunni said.
While challenges continue for individuals of mixed AAPI heritage, connecting with their diverse identities and finding support within their communities brings a sense of belonging. Despite limited representation in the media, progress in diverse fields like sports offers hope for increased visibility and acceptance in the future.