The speaker is addressing a long-standing issue within their community or organization, emphasizing that they have consistently worked against harmful stereotypes since its inception. They highlight specific examples like waiter, laundryman, gardener, martial artist, and villain to illustrate these prejudiced views.
At a deeper level, the quote encapsulates a broader struggle for recognition and respect in the face of enduring societal biases. The speaker is not just speaking about professional roles but also about the wider narrative that often confines individuals or groups to narrow, limiting perspectives. By challenging these stereotypes, they are advocating for a more nuanced understanding of capabilities and potential beyond what society typically expects. This fight against stereotypes is seen as an essential step towards empowering members of their community to achieve their full potential.
The quote comes from Mako, whose work focuses on countering the limitations imposed by societal stereotypes within a particular context, likely related to ethnic or cultural identity in the United States. Through her leadership and advocacy at East West, she has been instrumental in highlighting these issues and working towards greater equality and recognition for all members of her community.
