Racism has been quite controversial in our school lately. As a minority, it’s sad to hear that people are making fun of the traditional Hmong clothes students wear. It’s also sad to see that they don’t understand the meaning behind the traditional clothing. 

Hmong clothes are made to wear on special occasions, such as Hmong weddings, New Year celebrations, traditional dances, and other big events. Some may even get buried with them after they pass away. These beautiful clothing can be hand woven by Hmong grandmas, and mothers. In Hmong culture, sewing is a big deal as the stitches convey stories of each Hmong clan. 

Hmong students and the community are offended by the racist commentary after the celebration of Hmong Heritage during April 24-28 of 2023. People need to acknowledge that we have feelings, too. 

I see no reason why people would make fun of the traditional Hmong clothes that students wear at school. The traditional Hmong clothing is beautiful.

Unfortunately racism is very common, but it shouldn’t be. Normalizing it is not acceptable. Why judge someone based on their culture and values they have? Or even their color? Racist takes many forms such as mocking the way someone speaks, acts, and dresses. I wish people would be more aware of that and think before they post racist comments. 

Furthermore, I find it frustrating that at this school Hmong students can’t even be themselves without being judged from non-minorities. Students themselves are supposed to make this a better place, but in my eyes with the discrimination, I see nothing but devastation.  

I will admit that I am “white washed” or “Americanized,” but that doesn’t mean that I’m not part of the Hmong community, too. I may not know how to write or read in Hmong, but I know the basics of speaking it and understanding it. 

Still, I do have the right to be mad about the racist controversy. Other Hmong students also have that right, too. If people say that the Hmong students and the community are being dramatic about this, that is their problem. It shows how much common sense they lack. 

People need to wake up and see that we are all equal. We all have our own rights. Being racist is certainly not a good right and needs to be shut down if people think that it is. It is hard to think about how people won’t admit that they are in the wrong of being a racist and will even deny the allegations. 

It is not hard to respect others and be open-minded. It is also not difficult to not be racist because it should be common sense by now, that this behavior is unacceptable. People may say “teenagers are just being teenagers”. However, those “teenagers” are old enough to understand that racism isn’t okay. 

I just don’t get why some people think they have that right to shut others down for their traditional clothing or even cultural heritage. Maybe it’s for attention and recognition? To be honest, I do not know why you would want to be recognized for being racist. Also, I question why now? You have been in school with Hmong peers since elementary school and you have seen us wear these specific kinds of clothing. Now suddenly, you have the nerve to make fun of it. I find that quite embarrassing for you.

I feel that people need to be called out for their actions, and should own up to what they did by sincerely apologizing.  

Due to social media and the certain topics that do get discussed on it, I thought that most people would be educated by now, but I guess not. It still looks like people need to be educated on racism and the discrimination that goes behind it. People need to think before they speak.
In our school, it’s mostly seen as whites and a small number of minorities. If people would acknowledge and stand up for other minorities like the African American, Chinese, Hispanic, and Native American populations as well, it would make a big difference and perhaps lead to acceptance.              

People need to speak up. Silence encourages this type of unacceptable behavior to exist. At a time like this, we Hmong people know the worth we have and know what we can bring to this school. I suggest that students see this as a wakeup call and learn more about the Hmong culture, and other minorities mentioned as well.