If we look at it from that perspective, can
you see why love and hate seems not very different from each other? We are
invisible through people's view of how they choose to look at us. Can we not
do the same, can we not choose how to define ourselves?
Ultimately, can we choose to make ourselves visible
again? I stated this action as an alternative to complacency, because it takes
more than just a simple desire. It requires a recognition of ourselves as Asians
and Pacific Islander and knowing the things that make us either invisible when we are not
wanted or visible when we are desired.
If you disagree with what I am saying, then
I can't blame you for hesitating to accept my ideas. This is an internal
argument for myself, but it might be something that you may have thought
about in your mind. In this society, we are trained and conditioned to never
create conflict if there is no reason to do so. Did you ever think that maybe that
conflict has been made invisible to you too? Until we are willing to ask
those questions, then how can we expect people to give us clear answers?
To answer that lingering question in your
mind, why am I make such strong comments about white people? Of course, many
white people may not purposely be making us feel invisible. I must take some
personal responsibility in saying that I sometimes make myself feel that
way. However, white people and the pervasiveness of their culture (directly
or) directly makes us step behind them. Remember, it's not just when they
hate us, it's also when they love us.
If I am invisible, you will not see me when
I feel bad or good. You can choose to see me, but will you know when to do
so? Do you have to open your eyes when I am feeling bad to finally
acknowledge me and my feelings?
No, I must take my own step to tell you
exactly how I feel...I want you to see who I am and how I
feel.
I choose not to be invisible; you choose to
see me as who I am. So where do we go from there?
