Exemplifying the power and positive potential behind social media, last week’s #NotYourAsianSidekick Twitter conversation offered a fantastic opportunity for the Internet to discuss stereotypes and political challenges facing Asian-American-Pacific-Islanders (or AAPI). Originated by Suey Park, a freelance writer and organizer, #NotYourAsianSidekick quickly trended on Twitter and its energy immediately flowed over to the rest of the Internet, prompting relevant thought-pieces and segments.

#NotYourAsianSidekick demonstrated how young people and the Internet have the power to create significant opportunities for civil rights discourse. What I really enjoyed about #NotYourAsianSidekick was how it offered an opportunity for individuals to chime with their personal experiences of racism (and often with sexism woven in) while also creating a space for progressive organizations ...