Dear lovely ex-neighbor,

I know you did not choose me and my family to live next to you. I’m sure many others do not like their neighbor either, but what has my family ever done to you? Was there ever a real reason to hate us? There are many other people in these similar houses around you, but you decide to single me out? Out of all the people around you, we were the only Asian family, so you decided to act like you were SO much better than us.

We have the same house.
We live in the same community.
We could have been friends…

But the difference is that my family treats everyone with respect and you simply do not.

I never wanted any trouble and wanted to fit in somewhere for once. So many people, teenagers, and adults, all want somewhere where they can feel at ease and enjoy themselves. Yet in my own home, my own neighborhood, I didn’t feel safe.
Always blaming me, yelling at me, and insulting me.  Everything around you was somehow violent, but it was only ever to me, never anyone else. If your kids can ride their bikes throughout the neighborhood in peace, my brother and I should be able to just be able to walk around the block without getting harassed. I am positive that you remember the day when you were shouting for joy thinking we were moving, screaming slurs at us, and saying common Asian stereotypes when you didn’t know we were only leaving for a short vacation to California.

Knowing what people can say about such young children and families just because of how they look or because of their race was appalling to see. That was the first time, sadly not the last, that I got insulted or singled out because I was simply different from someone.

I am here speaking up for all the Asian communities, whether you are Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or any other culture that falls under this category. This is to all the people who spread hate and negativity just because of race because your hate comes from ignorance and your ego. The sad spike of violence toward my kind is unfortunate and as time goes on it increases when it should decrease.

Some of our families moved from their countries to have a better life and to stay in this America where “all men are created equal.” Are we as a society really upholding the right standards and tenets? We should be putting more effort into protecting not only Asians but all minorities who are vulnerable.

I have taken much time to think about how these racially motivated experiences changed me; I can now confidently say I will not hide the fact that I am Asian, and I am willing to forgive you.

Sincerely,
Your Asian bestie.