Our organization aims to break stereotypes by selling Yi cultural products on a nonprofit basis. Additionally, the proceeds from these sales will be used to establish the Link: Know How to Feel charitable fund. This fund will be directed towards charitable activities and donations in various counties and villages in the local area. After thorough research and observation of the issues in some towns and counties, our organization has allocated charitable funds to two main areas.
English Education
In the Liangshan Prefecture, many Yi counties and villages still face educational challenges. Before entering junior high school, elementary education does not teach English like in Xichang City. Due to limited English teaching resources and the fact that the children's mother tongue is Yi language, which they must learn alongside Mandarin, very few Yi children are exposed to English before junior high. This puts them at a disadvantage in their future studies and exams, often requiring extra time and effort. Furthermore, early exposure to language learning is necessary to maintain their interest in English.
To address this issue, our organization has decided to contribute to educating local children. We will use the proceeds from our product sales to purchase English picture books or introductory textbooks, providing village elementary school children the opportunity and resources to learn English in advance. This will help them in their future English studies and ignite their interest in language learning, giving them a broader perspective to explore the world.
Menstrual Health for Women
Due to underdeveloped transportation and communication in remote rural areas, local women, especially children and teenagers, need more knowledge about physiological health and access to high-quality sanitary products. Our organization will use the charitable fund to improve the menstrual health of local women. We will conduct educational programs to give them the knowledge and confidence to face puberty bravely. Additionally, we will supply them with comfortable and healthy sanitary products.
Common Stereotypes and Reality
When people think of the Yi ethnic group, they often picture individuals with distinct appearances, poor economic conditions, and backward customs. Stereotypes include images of skinny figures with dark skin, primarily agrarian societies where people work the fields daily, and low levels of education. While some aspects of these stereotypes have existed in the past, the rapid development of society and technology has significantly changed the Yi people's situation. The current society of the Yi is partially as the public's stereotypes suggest.
Misconceptions About Yi Traditional Culture
Beyond these stereotypes, there are also misunderstandings about the traditional culture of the Yi people. The public often learns about Yi culture through documentaries, music, or photography, which tend to portray it with a sad tone. Authors may inadvertently use a gloomy, black-and-white palette to depict the Yi people, leading to a perception of their culture as oppressive and bleak. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The Yi are a passionate people who celebrate fire culture. During the Torch Festival, Yi people light bonfires, wear colorful traditional attire, and dance around the fire, expressing their worship of fire and prayers for a bountiful year and a bright future. This lively and vibrant community does not lead a dull and oppressive life. The dynamic rhythms of their music and dance, combined with the flickering flames, showcase their love for life and positive cultural values.
Hospitality and Vibrant Culture
In traditional impressions, the Yi are seen as unwelcoming to outsiders, living in perpetual poverty and labor. This stereotype may stem from reports of robberies in Yi areas or negative portrayals in literature. In truth, the Yi are a hospitable people. During the Torch Festival, they warmly invite tourists to join their celebrations and serve homemade wine to guests, reflecting their generous hospitality. Yi proverbs like "Han people value tea, Yi people value wine" highlight their customs of welcoming guests with wine.
Their traditional clothing, rich in cultural significance, further exemplifies their vibrant culture. The clothing styles vary by age and gender, with intricate embroidery and bold colors symbolizing their artistic heritage. Yi jewelry, featuring totems with different auspicious meanings, and lacquerware, which incorporates bright red, yellow, and black colors, showcases the creativity and aesthetic of the Yi people.
Education and Public Safety
The stereotype that most Yi people are uneducated and illiterate with their regions plagued by drug trafficking and poor public safety is outdated. While these issues were prevalent in the past due to economic disparities and inadequate educational resources, significant progress has been made. Implementing compulsory education policies has dramatically improved educational opportunities for Yi children, and public safety has also substantially improved. Modern Yi regions, like Xichang City, now boast vibrant night markets and safe streets, reflecting the socioeconomic advancements of the Yi community.
Prominent Yi individuals, such as singer Jike Junyi and artist Shuare Shizhu, exemplify the talents and contributions of the Yi people in various fields. They further break down the outdated stereotypes and showcase the Yi community's rich cultural heritage and potential.
How "Link: Know to Feel" Aims to Address These Issues
Our organization, “Link: Know to Feel,” strives to break these stereotypes and enhance group connections. We aim to present the rich history and vibrant culture of the Yi people to the public, helping them gain an objective understanding of this minority group.
Activities and Goals
1.Nonprofit Sales: Through nonprofit sales, we introduce local specialty products such as Leibo navel oranges, Yi silver jewelry, and Yi lacquerware. The proceeds are our charitable fund to support education and health initiatives in rural Yi areas.
2.Charitable Fund Allocation:
◦English Education: We address the lack of English education in Yi regions by using funds to purchase English books and introductory textbooks, providing children with early access to English learning resources.
◦Female Health: We improve the health and hygiene of local women by using funds to provide high-quality sanitary pads and conduct educational programs on physiological health.
3.Cultural Promotion: Our activities aim to bring tangible representations of Yi culture to the public. By showcasing the Yi people's vibrant traditions and innovative aspects, we help break down stereotypes and deepen connections between different groups.
Our innovative approach not only raises awareness about Yi culture but also makes fundamental contributions to improving the lives of the Yi people. By transforming abstract concepts into concrete actions, we aim to create a journey from “understanding” to “experiencing” Yi culture, ultimately breaking down stereotypes and fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of the Yi community.
By participating in "Link: Know to Feel," you can help us in our mission to bridge gaps between different cultures and create meaningful connections that promote understanding and appreciation of the Yi ethnic group.