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.