Addressing Issues:
Ma is a major advocate for racial justice, having an enriched and experienced background of fighting for political policies.
One of Ma’s most passionate advocating topics is the Harvard bias suit. Recently, a lawsuit was filed against Harvard University for its racial bias against Asian Americans in its application processes. Ma argues that Harvard discriminates in its application ratings, empowered on purposes such as former alumni donations and the mission to “diversify.” Ma states that studies have shown, however, that if admissions were based purely on skill, 43% of the Ivy Leagues would be composed of Asian-Americans instead of the current 19%. In comparison, CalTech’s race-neutral admissions process causes its institute to consist of over 40% Asian-Americans – a rate over double the Ivy League’s.
Q+A Session:
Government Welfare System –
An interesting real-life scenario was brought to the table about the US government welfare system: the comparison between an individual with a genetic disorder and a regular citizen. The former had never worked a single day in her life but was living a moderately comfortable life, with government-provided life-support, a private condo, and a functioning car. The latter was a university graduate student who had busy work hours round the clock, though she shared the exact same condo with a fellow classmate, had a lower lifestyle quality, and no car. Ma questioned whether the welfare system was, indeed, an accurate source of help, or rather a plummeting trap for both taxpayers and the unprivileged.
Ma replied with her strong belief that the welfare system’s powers should not be extended, due to the government-dependency it brings. Ma states that the government’s functions should be drawn to promote citizens to strive towards further goals instead of providing a lifetime’s worth of assistance.
Definition of Racial Offense –
When faced with the question of proclaiming a comment to be “racist,” Ma believes that the too-often politically correct term should be loosened. Ma states that comments that are commonly declared “racist” actually have no negative implication to them, with her rare experience of encountering legitimately pernicious racists.
Ma grew up in Guangzhou, China, where there was a small minority of Muslims in residence. However, she states that the Chinese party had always acknowledged their minority in respect, never doubting the fact of cultural and racial acceptance.
Cultural Acceptance –
A concluding question was brought up about the issue of self-acceptance, specifically about how to integrate oneself into both side’s of one’s culture through active participation.
Ma encouraged the act of embracing all unique cultural perspectives, compromising if areas of dissidence clash. Although she stated that the idea of cultural obligation is not mandatory, Ma advocated for the inclusion of cultural interaction as a means for self-exploration and the development of self-identity. Ma believes that thoughts and times of imbalance may occur, but it is one’s responsibility to constantly motivate oneself to embrace themselves as a whole.
This article was provided by Chinese American Parents Association Junior Reporter Club (CAPA JRC) with members who interviewed, audio recorded, wrote, translated, and video recorded. CAPA JRC has 19 Montgomery County middle to high school students. They have created a bilingual platform delivering news and serving the community.
IG: @capa_jrc
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