Libraries are stalwarts of inclusivity. If you need any evidence, check out this story from last week, when The Linda Lindas, a teen punk band, fired back against Asian-American racism with their song, Racist, Sexist Boy at the Los Angeles Public Library. It doesn’t get more punk than that.
Even Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello thought so, calling it the “Song of the Day.” Musicians weren’t the only ones to take note; writer Viet Thanh Nguyen, the Vietnamese American novelist who won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, also sang their praises, tweeting, “‘Racist, Sexist Boy’ is the song we need now.” Now they have a record deal.
However, as the past shows, things have not always been easy for those of Asian descent in the United States. The Linda Lindas are not alone in their frustration, but they are a glimmer of hope for the future.
An AAPI Reading List
Asian Americans have been a force in American history, art, and music since well before Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month existed. We’re excited to have the opportunity to honor AAPI Heritage Month by offering a selection of novels, memoirs, and films created by Asian Americans. If there is a title that we missed or that you would like us to purchase, please let us know.
Here are a few works from our shelves:
- Free Food For Millionaires by Min Jin Lee
- Speak, Okinawa by Elizabeth Miki Brina
- The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’
- The Poppy War by R.F Kuang
- Good Talk by Mira Jacob
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
- The Sympathizer by Nguyen, Viet Thanh
- Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
- The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
What to Watch for AAPI Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islanders have made huge contributions to the film industry. These are just a few of the Asian American films available with your library card from Kanopy.
Honor AAPI from Books, Movies, and Art
Books are our bridge to the experience of others, and movies are a great entrance, too. Learn more about the experience of Asian American and Pacific Islanders through their own words. For help finding these materials, just ask at the Reference Desk or Circulation Desk.