Daniel Tam-Claiborne is Senior Associate at the Serica Initiative, the non-profit organization operated by SupChina. A multiracial author and essayist with a background in journalism, communications, and grant writing, Daniel has spent over five years living and working in Greater China and is an outspoken advocate for Asian American issues and increased global understanding. He is currently completing a novel set against the backdrop of contemporary U.S.-China relations.
The release of ‘Shang-Chi’ during the pandemic is of no small import, as anti-Asian sentiment and incidences of anti-Asian hate in the U.S. and around the world continues to rise at an alarming rate.
“At whatever point people want to contribute to the conversation and to the elevation, I think there are many moving parts. And that's I think, again, that's exciting. Because if you don't want to be in front of a camera and you don't want to work for a studio, there's a lot of other things that people can do to move that needle. I call upon everybody to do that. We do need all hands on deck in my opinion,” says Minji Chang, actor, producer, and entrepreneur.
In China, tech companies are facing particular pressure to showcase social responsibility. Xi Jinping acknowledged that the “new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is giving a strong impetus to economic development.” However, he also pointed out that its negative effects on employment and income distribution need to be “effectively addressed and resolved.”
“There has to be an intentional effort on both parts to bring our communities and understanding together. I think the more we can have real relationships between our communities, the more we realize that we have more in common than we do differences, and the more we can see each other in a positive light,” says Larissa Lam, Director of Far East Deep South.
“There are fewer people living in absolute poverty in China since the eradication of extreme poverty, and both the government and corporate sector have adequate resources to meet the needs of low-income people. I tell international companies and foundations now that if they want to work with CFPA, there’s more value in our international projects because the marginal effect will be maximized,” says Xingzui Wang, Executive Vice President of the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation.
Though most private Chinese companies involved in poverty alleviation still view the poor as a socioeconomically disadvantaged group, more and more have realized the opportunity for laborers and suppliers to create mutually beneficial business opportunities.
“Only by knowing our history, knowing what we contribute, and knowing how we want to shape this country can we help it achieve the ideals it says it aspires to instead of reaching back to its darkest moments,” says Chris Kwok, Board Director of the Asian American Bar Association of New York.
“Enduring resilience is not just suffering with strength and pride; it’s also creating our own joy and happiness,” says George Takei, social justice activist and pioneering actor.
“Those of us with the capacity to give have an opportunity to really consider how to sustainably support organizations that serve vulnerable AAPIs and also how to do that in a cross-racial way,” says Vivian Long, Executive Director at Long Family Foundation.
As wealth increases, more members of the Chinese American community are willing to give openly and raise their charitable profile, leading the way for increased visibility, contributions to larger society, and the accumulation of political voice and power.