Jiehae Park 

A while back, I was invited to give a keynote speech at an Asian Studies conference. I was confused by the request, then fascinated. Was I qualified to give such a speech? Because I’m Asian American? Write Asian American characters? Was I the subject, or the object, of these “Asian Studies”?  

Growing up the child of Korean immigrants, I probably resembled a lot of model minority stereotypes: piano and violin, good grades, math and science magnet school. When I scored twenty points shy of perfect on my SAT, my mother’s first response was to ask when I planned to take the test again. I understand now that reaction was born of fear. When it seems like there’s only one path to safety and belonging (the unspoken qualifier: for people like you), stepping off can feel dangerous. Some double down on that path, others bristle and revolt, but all are—unjustly, unconsciously—measured against it.

Every character in this play seems, at first, like a stereotype. Underneath, of course, they’re all people – messy, flawed, beautiful, horrible, complicated. They’re also children, who’ve absorbed powerful messages about what we expect them, and the world, to be. Messages of scarcity, terror, and a system where only the luckiest and most privileged few ever feel truly at home. Where groups are (often effectively) pitted against each other to fight for scraps.

Vickie Ramirez 

When Jiehae asked me to consult on peerless, I was nervous. Here is a play from a non-indigenous writer, raising questions about indigenous identity and doing so Off-Broadway, an important and high-profile arena. As I read the script, I realized I was being reductive. peerless is a darkly satirical story that questions identity as a commodity. Jiehae casts a critical eye on the ever-present colonial device of scarcity mentality, which pits minorities against each other in the chase for the elusive prize, perceived success, and validity. I am excited that people will leave the play carrying these questions. peerless is about much more than indigenous identity. However, it’s my primary focus, as I’m sure it will be for many other indigenous people. After all, indigenous characters are usually portrayed as a pastiche of Hollywood iconography, and if we are not, we are often judged as invalid. The colonial mindset often focuses on blood quantum while ignoring other aspects of indigenous identity. There are over 574 federally recognized tribal nations in the U.S. (and many more working for recognition). Blood quantum requirements differ from nation to nation. It was originally used by the federal government to control the amount of land and resources "paid out" to honor our treaties. More important is community connection and acceptance. Most commonly, our requirements are community-based. Do we know you/your family? Do you engage with the community and respect protocols? Blood quantum is a factor. Some communities require 1/4 indigenous blood, some 1/16. The most important part of the equation is community acceptance. We decide our citizens, not the Federal government. That is universal across our communities.