'Nobody to anybody': Asian-Canadian comedian Ed Hill on life between two worlds
Ed Hill says Asian-Canadians are silenced by the stereotype that they are obedient, hard-working "model minorities."
When Ed Hill moved to Canada from Taiwan 20 years ago, he thought his family was just going on vacation.
He's been living a life between two worlds ever since, and he says neither world wants to hear the voices of Asian-Canadians like him.
Growing up, Hill says he was taught "to be dedicated, and not to be opinionated" and to "soundlessly obey" by his family, teachers, and media representations. He argues those factors combine to make it difficult for "Canasians" to find their voice and tell their story.
I witnessed Asian people around me, myself included, glom onto other cultures, from hip-hop to corporate, hoping to create a character that allowed us to speak our words in a way where others will listen.- Ed Hill
Click the blue 'play' button to hear Ed's radio essay.