Perspective: Chinese American

There I stood, in what was arguably my own country, staring blankly at the middle-aged man who stared right back.  It was nearly 8pm and the narrow alleys became shaded much to the glee of the residents chatting on stools outside their homes.  It would have been a wonderful thing for myself as well, had it not made the alleys look even more similar.  I felt helpless. I clutched the wrinkled piece of paper and smiled, pointing at the map again.  “I want to go here,” I said for the 6th time.  I have no idea why I thought it might sink in this time. “Here,” as I later found out, was Jianchang Hutong, which is little more than an alley. In fact, hutongs are alleys. The entire area was covered in them.  It would take me a week before I figured out how to get home without getting lost.

For this to make any sense, I have to back up. I still remember high school when I proudly considered myself a minority. I say minority, and as an asian, most people come to associate “that” kind of minority with model minority. But I assure you, I am by no means a model. I am part of a new generation, one that is distinctly Asian American and one that can no longer be stereotyped with very much accuracy at all. They say we are all products of our environments and particularly, of our parents.  I agree and I don’t pretend to be any different, but i believe the circumstances that my parents have created and the world I have grown up in produced a certain result.

In the states I was proud of my identity, yet I was very aware that on the grand scale of things, I was neither Asian nor American.  I had the amazing opportunity growing up picking and choosing what i thought made the most sense from both cultures. I always placed myself on the Asian side, embracing classical Asian values such as unquestioned respect for parents, the importance of educational practical and  career oriented view of the world.  Yet my parents allowed a series of western ideas to creep in. I learned to trust rather than suspect. I was willing to take risks and assume the best rather than the worst.  I grew to be confident and social, rather than reserved and observant.  The end product, I have to admit was somewhat of a disappointment to my parents.  I was in no gifted child program, no accelerated after school tutoring. There were no endless hours of piano or violin, no academic awards or science competition.  Instead there was wrestling practice, leadership class and hours serving the less fortunate and soup kitchens.  There were lectures about the plight of the under-served and the inequity that was a very real part of the lives of my teammates, classmates and friends.  But these lectures were not meant to scare me into working harder. They were meant to inspire me to admire those that fought adversity and won, to inspire me to reach a point where I could help change the sometimes seemingly inevitable fate of the “have-nots.”

It is in pursuit of that dream that I come to China, a place I know nothing about.  The language, its people, its culture, all of it is lost to me, save the western spin my parents have put on the few lessons they passed on.  One month into my stay of undetermined length, I have already grown attached to the place – not for some love of its character, I’ve been here far too short to develop that relationship, but for the growing sense of curiosity i have about… everything. 4 hours of Chinese a day has done me well and I can proudly say I know my way home.  Even if I didn't, I could talk like a 5-year-old and make my way home like a confused child.  Here the difference between the rich and poor is unquestionably more obvious and I take an ironic sense of pride in trying to act as local as possible.  Each day I ride my bike through what initially seemed like a deathtrap otherwise known as Beijing traffic.  I eat at local stalls that do their best to pass as restaurants.  Yet it is still painfully clear that I am nowhere close to a local.  Countless times now, people will approach me, assuming that I must speak Chinese, only to find that the foreigner they met yesterday was 100 times more understandable.  I am always embarrassed. Similar situations made me feel the same way in the states, but sometimes I feel more out-of-place that I ever did as a minority.  Still, I have a drive stronger that I had expected to prove myself.  I will continue to study and learn and do my best to make a mark on this place. And at the end of it all, if I feel even the slightest bit more Asian, I’ll have fought for it, and I will have succeeded.

This is PSo, with a perspective

Where are you From?

Where are you from? No, I mean where are you originally from? or Where are you from from?

As Asian Americans this question comes up surprisingly often. But why? While it is true that Asian Americans may look distinctly different from the stereotypical notion of an American, i.e. a White or Black American, haven't Asian Americans been a large enough presence in the United States to merit the assumption that we too are probably Americans?

This topic, revolving around the idea that Asian Americans remain somehow foreign, has been discussed over and over and over again. It is probably the most common meeting topic of Asian American student organizations around the country and one that, despite being talked about for years and years, remains in need of attention.

Why has this issue remained unresolved?

In this article I hope to give some insight to the problem and then suggest some basic steps we can take to put this whole mess behind us.

First lets look at the problem:

So why does it seem like Asian Americans are always asked about where they are “from” even if everything about them, minus their racial features, screams American?

You in the middle, where are you from?

The obvious answer seems to be that many Americans don't associate Asian with American, after all, we are only about 5% of America's current population. Yet attributing this questioning of origin to population statistics alone would be wrong. Population numbers still doesn't explain why the question is asked in areas with large and influential Asian American populations such as San Francisco and New York City.


Then I read a short article on a Dear Carolyn letter that helped me pick apart this issue.

Recently, an Asian American wrote a Dear Carolyn letter (syndicated columnist for the Washington Post), asking what she should do about constantly getting asked this question. The writer said that the question often offended her. As it felt like she was unfairly being questioned, as if she did not belong or, at the least, was somehow an exotic curiosity.

The Asian American continues by saying that after trying several solutions that were met with some success she has decided to go with "I don't particularly care to satisfy your curiosity right now.", an answer that others felt was potentially rude. The Asian Americans disagrees, citing that people don't ask other personal info upon greeting like age, income, religion or sexual preference.

The columnist replies by suggesting using "it's a long story", and then saying not to get angry because "the question is new to each person who asks it" and "as entitled as you are to your anger, no one person caused it ... meaning it's not fair to make any one person pay."





This is a syndicated columnist, from a respected newspaper who has been giving advice to average Americans for years and it seems sadly clear that she has spent little time pondering the Asian American experience.




1.It isn't a long story. The writer is from her hometown in American, period and that should be understood without a slew of following questions. The origin stories of a son of an Irish-English immigrant or descendant of an African slave are just as long. What makes an Asian American's story longer?

2. The question is new to each person who asks it. The columnist is implicitly implying that this question is a normal, unbiased, one, one that your average good-natured American might ask. But is it an unbiased question? Does it not imply that so many Americans in some way believe Asian Americans are inherently less American, a curiosity? For many Asian Americans the question is one that implicitly questions their American credentials, and in some manner, hurts their sense of belonging or self confidence.

3.Just because one person is not responsible doesn't mean you shouldn't get upset at each person that is somewhat culpable. If one person calls another a slur and truly doesn't know the negative meaning of it, that doesn't mean the victim should let the person have a free pass . A slur is a slur and has an impact no matter what the original intent. It is important that those who commit the folly are held accountable even if that means a simple description of why what he or she has just said or done was offensive.

4.Finally, in the end, it is clear that the columnist is essentially suggesting that the Asian American, though entitled to be angry,  should shrug it off. It is just not a serious issue to the columnist despite the writer's clear discomfort on the subject.


So what can we as Asian Americans gather from this well meaning columnist who should know better.

The heart of the problem seems to lie in the unwavering fact that most Americans consider us more foreign than American. This explains all of the columnists responses.

The Solution:

How do Asian Americans fix all of this?

1.Educate the misinformed
What should  Asian Americans do if they feel like they are being asked because they don't look like "normal Americans"? Often it seems like the most civil solution is to begin a discussion with the asker about how this origins question can be offensive and educate the asker. It seems that most Americans misunderstand the rich and full history of Asians in America.  Asian Americans have been a part of American society for decades now. (Look for data). Railroad workers, farm laborers, small business owners. More and more Asian Americans are the product of immigrants ancestors 2, 3, 4 generations ago. Though these younger generations may continue to practice Asian customs or traditions, many would immediately identify themselves as American. Asian Americans routinely make their presence felt in higher education and the work force but that somehow seems to get lost.

Actually, Asian Americans have been apart of America since the late 1700s...

But is educating every questioner our job? Should we be educating every time? Whose responsibility is it to educate other Americans about this issue?Personally, I don't think it is our job to educate every person who asks us these questions in an insensitive manner. It is tiring and makes me angry that our American-ness seems to always be in question. I think Americans as a whole should know by now and if not, need to educate themselves.

2. Encourage reflection and action
Understanding that change takes time and effort, encourage colleagues, friends and acquaintances to take a part of their day to reflect on the diversity of today's America and the shared journey almost every ethnicity took through abuse, discrimination, and humiliation. The hope, diligence and strength that allowed each group of immigrants to find a better life and (hopefully) has allowed Americans to look at each other equally. Exchange these ideas even if no one has offended you and even if you know few people will take your message to heart. The truth is that this type of encouragement is crucial to changing the general mindset of others. You can go one by one correcting wrong and launching into racial lectures but prevention is better than cure. Laying the issue out in a positive, all inclusive, forgiving and  patriotic light is bound to be more persuasive. Encourage people to read just 1 article, 1 book, attend one event or watch one film (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle is a great laugh that actually addresses many Asian American issues) Then perhaps a colleague who never thought about it will, in one moment, realize he has been treating an Asian acquaintance unfairly, or perhaps that one person that asked you about your origin will recognize his folly and relay the information to his friends. There is really no way to know how effective your efforts will be but that shouldn't dissuade you. Doing something is better than nothing.


3.Give examples
Luckily the image of Asian Americans is changing as the population increases and prominent Asian Americans reach the spotlight in music, dance, television, fashion, sports and social media. Far East Movement, Jeremy Lin, Quest Crew, Jabbawockeez, Ryan Higa of the NigaHiga YouTube channel, Wong Fu of Wong Fu Productions and Freddie Wong of the Freddiew YouTube channel. With some motivation and luck we will start seeing more Asian American politicians representing us as well. The emergence of a wide range of popular and well known Asian American faces is a huge boon to this cause.
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 As for creative solutions to the original question? Ask back where they are from or ask why they are asking. If you are feeling good and have the time, explain the issue with origin questions. Point out that no other ethnic group seems to get these questions.


When the origin question will become something of the past? Who knows.

Math Geek to Dancer Chic: A Shift in Perceived Coolness

Jabbawockeez, Quest Crew, Kaba Modern, Far East Movement, Harry M Shum and Jeremy Lin. What do they all have in common? Well first they are all Asian Americans but more interestingly they are considered cool, and hot and not just by Asian Americans.

When one thinks of the Jabbawockeez one might think "Those guys are ballin dancers. I wish I could be like them." When one sees Far East Movement on stage one might think,"Those guys know how to rock!" Harry Shum has danced for famous stars and was one of People Magazines's sexiest men alive. Jeremy Lin? "Linsanity!!!! wooooooo!"


I think these new pop icons may usher in a new image of Asian Americans.
Over the years Asian American men have suffered through many stereotypes but in my opinion, in today's world, we have come to be defined by one classic image.


The studious, timid doctor, engineer, programmer or pushover office worker.  John Cho's role as Harold in Harold and Kumar (except Cho is pretty handsome if you ask me)

Nerd?

Before you barrage me with objections about this grand over arching claim, think about it. Most people have moved on from older stereotypes involving dogs and cats, martial arts or sneaky trickery. Yet the belief that Asians are intellectual, enjoy and or excel at math and science and do not question authority are still very strong. As Asian Americans continue to dominate higher education and certain professions, the media has picked up on it and depicted us so. In addition, these stereotypes aren't perceived as particularly negative and thus have been perpetuated. The question is presented as such:

“Whats so bad about thinking of you guys as hard working, smart people in successful careers? Isn't that a good thing?”

 There are many problems created by the above stereotype, including issues revolving around the model minority myth, discrimination and bias but for the sake of this article I want to tackle a social dilemma created by the “nerdy Asian image.”

I think this stereotype puts young Asian Americans at a huge disadvantage socially, especially in the teenage years where social standing can and often does significantly shape a persons identity. Of course there is always the adage, be yourself and don't bow to peer pressure but as all of us know every person wants to be liked or popular to some extent. Lets face it, teenage life is easier when you considered cool, good looking or popular. Yet the nerdy Asian stereotype automatically puts Asian Americans back  like starting the race half a lap behind. In addition, I feel the expectation to grow into the stereotype boxes teenagers in and makes them far less likely to explore options that are more commonly associated with coolness or popularity. When I was growing up I know for sure I was more nervous to try sports, be confident among peers or stand up to bullies. How much of this was influenced by stereotypes? I can't say for sure. But I also remember that growing up, I did not really have any cool Asian American role models to look up. There was Jackie Chan and Asian pop stars but there weren't really American and changing forward into unknown territory without so much as a role model is difficult and frightening. I remember that for me, being cool, sexy or popular was something that seemed always out of my reach.

 But in the part 5 years or so things have changed. Asian have been breaking out into cool territory. From fashion designers, to rappers, to dance crews to musicians and actors, Asian Americans are showing America that they are more than one stereotype.  The emergence has lead to not only a new hip image but a chic sense of style as well (pics of far east movement, harry m shum, dance crews).









I can tell you now that if I had had examples like Quest Crew or Jeremy Lin back when I was in high school I would hands down have been more confident in sports and dancing (something I always had interest in).

So what does that mean for us, the average Asian American guy. Well may of us are still studious and timid (especially with girls) and there is nothing wrong with that but now it feels like we have much more wiggle room. For those of us who want to be something different we have role models and mentors. We see that we can be cool poppers lockers and breakers. We can bring girls to the dance floor and can be one of the sexiest men alive. If nothing more, the emergence gives me confidence to believe that I can be more than the background un-noticed Asian guy who gets good performance reviews.

I think that as Asian Americans continue to break the nerdy asian stereotype or begin molding an image that combines both smarts and coolness we will see a boom in Asian youth exploring roads that to me, just 10 years ago, felt impossible to explore.

As for me, now, maybe I'll mouse my hair put on a chic vest and hat and hit the clubs with a new sense of confidence... Chao!

That's my real life college friend breaking it down in the student center.