Racism and Critical Resilience: Counternarratives of Asian International College Students in the Age of COVID-19

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Learning and Teaching in and Through COVID-19

Abstract

Using Asian Critical Race Theory and Critical Resilience Theory, this qualitative study explores how Asian international colleges students experience racism before and after the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they develop and use resilience to counteract racism. 11 Asian participants shared their counternarratives through semi-structured ethnographic interviews. Results reveal that Asian international college students experienced general racist microaggressions and some, especially undergraduates, experienced more overt racism. During the pandemic, they encountered unprecedented challenges such as isolation, limited access to university space and resources, and financial and physical insecurity, all of which were exacerbated by racism. Results highlight that Asian international students developed critical resilience grounded on their life experience and community assets to counteract racism.

Authors

• Katrina Liu, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Richard C. Miller, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Sharolyn D. Pollard-Durodola, University of Nevada Las Vegas

• Lei Ping, University of Nevada - Las Vegas