Secondary students gathered in the presentation hall for an evening of collaborative learning and discussion on Jan. 29. Hosted by Students Organizing Against Racism (SOAR) in collaboration with the National...

SOAR launched its first-ever movie night where students of all ages gathered to discuss the history of racism in America. The DIS community gathered to watch the documentary “The 13th” which explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. More than thirty participants enjoyed snacks and pizza while holding meaningful discussions on the history of racism on Feb. 1.

We all know that “racism is bad.” However, many casually carry out unintentional offenses because they fail to recognize the hurt that lies behind seemingly harmless racist words.

Students Organizing Against Racism (SOAR) recently hosted their second monthly SOARing Discussion to tackle discrimination against Southeast Asians in Korea. Stemming from the group’s year long investigation on microaggressions, students discussed issues related to this under-represented demographic, garnering over 20 participants. 

When you hear someone described as “privileged,” who pops into your mind? Is it the insanely-rich Samsung group family, the Trumps, or the Kardashians? Or maybe it’s a character you’ve seen on-screen, like Cher from Clueless, Nick Young from Crazy Rich Asians, or Young-joon from the K-drama What’s wrong with Secretary Kim. I thought the same, until I found out privilege is something far more common. And it stretches further into our lives than your parents’ guilt-trip to get you to eat your vegetables: “You know, children in some countries, they can’t even eat broccoli.” I bear so many privileges that I didn’t realize up until recently; let me share a couple of them.

Students Organizing Against Racism (SOAR) has hosted a Q&A Event via a Google Form from March 14th to the 16th in celebration of ‘My Freedom Day.’ #MyFreedomDay, a student-driven event to raise awareness on modern slavery and forced labor, is celebrated on March 16th all over the world.

Maybe you’ve heard the announcements from Students Organizing Against Racism (SOAR) around school, or seen posters of SOAR promoting its events. But when you did, you may have thought: Is there really anything to do with racism in Korea, though? Or you may have thought: we can’t possibly get rid of an issue this serious with efforts like that. You also could have thought of it as generic issues along the lines of: “Let’s solve world hunger!” or “Let’s save the polar bears!” While scrolling past a post on social media urging you to donate to an activist group, you might have thought, “I get it’s important, but I also have a test to take tomorrow. I’ll worry about this later.” I have to say, this is totally understandable. It’s certainly what I used to think. But I found out that, not only racism and discrimination can be found everywhere, I’m also taking part in making a racist society in some way I might not be aware of. So today, I hope to address and dismantle some of the myths that I used to hold about racial injustice.