Lecture Summary: Addressing Discrimination at Miami University

Speaker Introduction

• Name: Ojin Lee
• Background: Senior majoring in AYA Integrated Science Education

Context of the Lecture

• Significant life changes due to the pandemic:
  • Loss of loved ones
  • High unemployment rate
  • Online classes
  • Increase in Asian hate crimes
• Ojin Lee focuses on the discrimination towards international students at Miami University.

Personal Experience

• Born in South Korea, moved to China, Singapore, and back to Korea.
• Attended international schools, feeling like an outsider in each location.
• Challenges with identity: Too Korean, too Chinese, too Singaporean, too American-minded.

Main Issues Addressed

• Microaggressions in the Classroom and Campus:
  • International students not speaking up, reluctance in group work.
  • Domestic students avoiding sitting next to Asian students.
• Race and Identity Challenges:
  • Pressure to conform to social constructs of race and nationality.
  • Discrepancy between the ideal of racial equality and reality.

Challenges for International Students

• Name Pronunciation:
  • Professors and peers unwilling or unable to pronounce international names correctly.
  • Identity denial.
• Social Isolation:
  • Avoidance by peers during group projects.
  • Assumptions about language abilities.
• Stereotyping and Misinterpretation:
  • Being called upon for diversity discussions as a representative of Asian culture.
  • Accent and language barriers leading to mockery.

Ojin's Perspective & Call to Action

• Experience of Fear and Insecurity:
  • Fear of harassment in public spaces.
  • Academic pressures compounded by discrimination.
• Call for Change:
  • Urges listeners to confront racism and microaggressions in their own environments.
  • Quoting Michelle Obama on the importance of initiating change in personal circles.

Conclusion

• Call to Action:
  • Encourages listeners to take action after the talk and to contribute to making Miami University a more inclusive environment.
  • "It's now time for you to do your part by acting. What will you change?"