I returned to Toronto from NYC and I received an invitation from an Asian Pacific Community, featuring a panel of some very notable Asian Community leaders. The group is not for profit designed to target Asian and Pacific Asians with the goal of career and professional development, and leadership development.
The undertone is they identify Asians have a shortcoming professionally and this is a community who will offer connections and lessons to level the playing field in the Western culture. While I’m not ignorant to say this struggle exists; I disagree with the platform approach. I’ll get to that point later. But here’s the story of this group.
The backstory
Years ago I attended two of the events hosted by the group. I had spoken to some of the leadership members and requested if I would be interested in a Board Advisory role. I kindly declined as I did not agree with the existing platform, which was offering soft skill lessons to act more personable and force out the inherent meek and shy demeanour that exist in some.
My personal perspective
As a generally confident person, I can pretty much tell when someone is truly confident and when it is an act. When I was simply observing the workshop lead by Asian comedians in the second event, I could tell the members were hanging on every word from speakers. I spoke to a few of them after the event and they were elated how they needed this workshop. They felt this workshop would essentially help lead to personal or professional success. One girl mentioned how she wanted to make friends with coworkers. Two guys wanted to improve how to keep women engaged in conversation.
The problem
I understand the group’s rationale with this approach as habitually that’s how Asians predominantly succeed – take a course, study the shit out of it, then apply. I feel this is completely not the approach to take. The result of following this method is the “confidence” becomes too mechanical. The attendees wouldn’t know better because they aren’t aware of the model minority that has repressed the idea they should be confident in an area western society dictated and stereotyped to be good at.
The suggested approach
The backstory
Overall, super thoughtful on his part. Definitely one to remember. He has officially ruined the curve for everyone else. Excuse me while I draft a text letting my girlfriend know she may need to step up her birthday gift game.