It’s hard enough to celebrate being Asian in normal times. But now, when the whole world is kind of coming down, with all this rhetoric and people getting attacked on the street, you really need to deliberately try to celebrate Asian-ness.

The quote speaks to the challenges faced by individuals who celebrate their Asian heritage during difficult times. It highlights that maintaining a positive attitude towards one's cultural identity can be tough when society is experiencing hardship and negativity, especially when hate speech and physical attacks against people of Asian descent are prevalent.

Beyond its surface meaning, this statement also underscores the importance of actively fostering pride in one’s cultural background, even amidst adversity. Simu Liu suggests that while it may seem natural to retreat into a shell or feel discouraged during tough times, making an effort to embrace and share aspects of being Asian can be a powerful act of resilience and solidarity. This not only helps individuals stay connected with their roots but also contributes to raising awareness about the rich cultural contributions of Asians and combating stereotypes and prejudices.

Simu Liu is a Canadian actor who gained significant recognition for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." His perspective on celebrating Asian identity resonates with many people who find themselves navigating the complexities of cultural pride amidst societal challenges.

" It’s hard enough to celebrate being Asian in normal times. But now, when the whole world is kind of coming down, with all this rhetoric and people getting attacked on the street, you really need to deliberately try to celebrate Asian-ness. " - Simu Liu

" It’s hard enough to celebrate being Asian in normal times. But now, when the whole world is kind of coming down, with all this rhetoric and people getting attacked on the street, you really need to deliberately try to celebrate Asian-ness. "
- Simu Liu