Faced with hate, wise words are the weapon of choice

Many young Asian Americans are finding that learning debating skills increases their self-confidence.

When Karen Wang was in third grade, her teacher told her mother that her reading ability was two levels lower than that of children of the same age.

This took her mother, Helen Wang, back to her own experience when she first arrived in North America as a student.

"When we first started learning English we paid little attention to speaking, only writing and grammar. It would be too difficult for me to fully express myself, let alone integrate into American society."

Helen Wang then developed into the stereotype of Asian students: quiet and studious.

"I really hope that our next generation can say out loud what they think," she says. "I hope the next generation of Asian Americans can have a better position in society."

With that in mind, Helen Wang decided to have her daughter learn debating skills.