Greetings, good people of the internet. We have arrived at that time again. Time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Scott Chan.
Who are you?
My name is Scott Chan.
My Chinese name means "to continue to help," which ends up being really funny when my parents keep asking me why I chose a career in nonprofit.
What are you?
2nd gen Chinese American, community activist, Buddhist, comic book nerd, and master of puns.
Where are you?
At home chilling with my partner (Duyen), my dog (Barnabus), and the latest issue of Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan).
Where are you from?
I grew up in Rowland Heights, California. It's a small town best known for the mall from Back to the Future.
What do you do?
I'm the director of API Forward Movement, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that uplifts the voices of API communities on issues of food, health, and environmental justice. When we're not partnering with local Asian American farmers to bring Asian veggies to schools, restaurants, and community centers, we're challenging decision-makers on the environmental impact of a school built next to the freeway.
I feel very lucky to be able to call what I do, work.
What are you all about?
More walk. Less talk. We have a lot of work ahead of us if we want to right the injustices in our communities; let's get to work!
What makes you angry?
It makes me mad that our society can so easily dismiss (or even hate) immigrants. Growing up in a mostly white neighborhood, I remember being taught to feel ashamed that my mom spoke with a thick accent. But here's the thing... my mom and so many other immigrant moms are badasses. My mom fled communism, worked two jobs to provide for her family, while also being able to speak THREE languages.
The immigrant experience is one of resilience, and it makes me ANGRY that we don't pay more respects!
