Connecting with culture may have a positive impact on your sense of belonging and identity which in turn can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing.
How can we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
Connecting with culture may have a positive impact on your sense of belonging and identity which in turn on your mental health and overall wellbeing. Culture can also shape your health behaviors and beliefs (Roseto Effect). Recognizing and celebrating cultural traditions have shown to maintain continuity between generations. It allows sharing of heritage with others and can be used to teach others about their history.
24 million people in the United States identify as Asian with 1.6 million identifying as Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander or a combination. These distinct communities have enriched this country for generations.
Ways to celebrate:
- Watch a documentary on Asian American history.
- Share and learn about AANHPI culture and history.
- Check out your local Asian art center or historical museum. Here is a list of iconic museums in the United States.
- Explore Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art online.
- Try a new Asian food in your local community.
- Learn to make Asian cuisine.
- Understand what the term Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders mean - who makes up the community and the proper terminology to use.
- Learn how to pronounce Asian names to minimize name based microaggressions.
- Support an Asian or Asian American author by reading a new book.
- Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
- Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
- Permission to Come Home by Dr. Jenny Wang
- Watch a movie by an Asian or Asian American filmmaker, crew, and cast.
- Nomadland
- Minari
- The Farewell
- Parasite
- Everything Everywhere All At Once
- Hindi cinema (aka Bollywood) is also a wonderful way to learn about the amalgamation of different cultures and heritage of India.
