Through the Looking Glass: An Asian American Music Educator's Counter-Story

In this chapter, I employ the method of counter-storytelling, utilizing metaphors derived from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass. I reflect upon my experiences as an Asian American music student in predominantly White schools. By comparing my journey to various metaphors and drawing connections to the protagonist, Alice, from Lewis Carroll's novel, I illustrate how much of my radicalized experiences parallel hers. Throughout my narrative, I explore the challenges I encountered while attempting to assimilate into American musical culture, the pressures stemming from model minority stereotypes, and my struggles in denying my Asian American ethnic identity. I share how fortunate I was to have music classrooms that provided me with safe places to embrace my identity and music teachers who validated my musical interests, ultimately helping me overcome the challenges and pressures I faced as an Asian American. Conclusively, this narrative culminates with a call to music teachers, urging them to create safe musical spaces that support minority student groups in embracing their ethnic identities.