Gramsci's definition of 'common sense', deeply rooted 'truths' that work to maintain institutions of power, is thought provoking. I agree with his statement about revolutionary change and that to bring about change, a counter-hegemonic culture must arise. Therefore, being a philosopher and critically analyzing the cultural hegemony we are in is key in producing change and restructuring society. As a side note, I think it is scary and disturbing how society is unknowingly consenting to deeply seeded ideas that lead to the repression of other groups. For example, the model minority myth works to valorize Asian Americans while placing other minority groups, such as African-Americans, beneath them in the racial hierarchy that places White Americans on top of both of these groups. The idea that 'Asians have made it in America' is perpetuated by this model minority myth and serves to cover up problems within the Asian American community and cause aggression between different minority groups.
With this in mind, the Asian American Studies program serves as a source of counter-hegemonic knowledge due to its presentation of non-White histories and experiences in America. The narrative produced in this program counteracts the 'common sense' culture and notions set by Western civilization.
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