Don’t look down!

Let’s start off on the right foot

“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together.”
–Guy Fieri

The skinny

Did you know May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

♥

No way!

Yes, way! In the late 1800s, the first Chinese pioneers relocated to America. These optimistic immigrants helped build the transcontinental railroad. Sadly, those who survived the undertaking were met in the West by some serious anti-Asian hate.

Thank you, Jeanie F. Jew.

Granddaughter to one such pioneer, Jeanie introduced the idea to Congressman Frank Horton when she was a Capitol staffer. More than 15 years later, and many more mentions, legislation passed in favor of Pacific and Asian Heritage Week on Oct. 5, 1978.

Um, awkward typo.

Seriously, AAPI communities originally were honored for only a seven-day period in early May, overlapping two significant days: May 7, 1843, marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. And May 10, 1869, recognizes the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, which changed the United States forever.

Flicks on ‘Flix.

Despite the popularity of Squid Game and Ali Wong, bias towards Asians—particularly Chinese Americans—has skyrocketed during the pandemic. Coronavirus fears amplified the already all-too-common stereotype of the perpetual foreigner.

Strike a pose!

On the opposite side of the spectrum, many Asian Americans battle the “model minority” myth and struggle to break out of others’ expectations to be intelligent and agreeable. Remember, “favorable” stereotypes are just as harmful.

The reality.

Although today we celebrate for a full month, our Asian friends, family, and neighbors are experiencing prejudice at a rate 339% higher than before. For some, the constant harassment and threats to personal safety are enough for employees to feel afraid to go to work, especially if they need to take public transportation.

And then there’s the “bamboo ceiling.”

A cringeworthy name for a cringeworthy practice. Although Asian Americans are generally perceived as competent and even put in managerial positions, they’re still overlooked as the rungs on the C-ladder go higher.

Don’t look down!

As Asian employees climb for senior leadership positions, they’re typically trekking alone without mentors who look like them at the top. Plus, when data is available, the aggregate figures make it difficult to understand the full story and address specific obstacles to best support AAPI employees.

Whatever that means.

Yup, just four letters doing their best to acknowledge the diverse ethnicities under the Asian American and Pacific Islander umbrella. Even people from the same city have different family dynamics and socioeconomic experiences.

So, what can you do?

How can employers make a difference for their Asian and Pacific employees? Finding pressure-free ways for AAPI people to share their personal stories is a great way to highlight unique cultures and showcase how different individuals choose to express their heritage.

Party time!

Excellent! You can celebrate the month by hosting a friendly contest to raise funds for charities that make meaningful contributions to support Asian and Pacific communities. You can even host book clubs or invite AAPI leaders at your organization for a panel discussion. Don’t forget to hit record, so it can be enjoyed any time of year!

Date with data: Only 16% of Asian men and 20% of Asian women said they felt fully included at work.

Further reading: 100 ways Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and allies have found solutions to racism and violence.

The skinny

Is cooking the key to confidence and well-being?

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Sizzle.

There’s nothing more satisfying than the sounds and smells of the kitchen—except perhaps the first bite of a well-deserved meal. They don’t call it “comfort food” for nothing; certain meals can make us feel nostalgic.

Finger-licking good.

Swipe and swallow, the food we eat can be the biggest contributor to thicker waistlines and thinner wallets. It’s a no-brainer that cooking your own food in your own kitchen is a win-win.

But what if it didn’t matter what you cook?

Yeah yeah, it matters in the long run. But you can reap the benefits of cooking without measuring your macros. Making a practice of making your food is good for your brain, fostering mental health with pleasant activities and daily routines.

Cooking therapy?

You better believe it! Cooking teaches us to go with the flow, viewing mistakes as part of the process. Not to mention, the gratifying feeling of creating something necessary and tangible does wonders for self-esteem.

Looks delish.

In addition to being one of the best ways to socialize with family and friends, food is also a fantastic way to appreciate other cultures and infuse some spice in your everyday life. So, what’s for dinner?

Double date: Ill-equipped, although 93% of Americans prepare a meal at least weekly, only 10% “love” cooking

For you: Chinese Food Vs Japanese Food: Battle of Fire And Water