2. The purpose of this presentation is to help others
understand what it means to be Asian American.
This term is frequently used, but loosely defined.
In order to better explain this term, I have put
together a list of common characteristics that are
associated with Asian Americans, as well as
explanation as to why they exist. I also touch on
popular stereotypes and explore the origins behind
these. This list is by no means comprehensive,
and certainly does not pertain to all Asian
Americans. It only serves as an over-arching
description on what it is to be an “Asian American.
Enjoy
3. Family
Parenting
Income
Education
Culture
Food
Social
Dating
Conclusion
Resources
4. In Asian culture, family is extremely
important.
The needs of the family are greater
than the needs of the individual
• Collectivist versus individualistic
Everything you do is a reflection on
your family
Problems/issues are hidden from the public
Parents demand respect and
obedience
• This is their definition of a “good child”
Everyone must respect the elders
5. Collectivist cultures, by definition, have an emphasis on the
whole rather than the individuals. Also, since most of the
“Asian” countries, including South East Asians and Pacific
Islanders, are collectivist cultures, there is a strong focus on
the family. Those who put themselves before the family are
deemed as selfish and not a “good person”.
Another important aspect of being a good person is respect.
Elders, because they have more life experience, need to be
respected and listened too. At no point is it appropriate to go
against your family, especially your parents. This is a struggle
for many Asian Americans because of the individualistic
emphasis in the US. In many cases, Americans can see this
as weakness or lack of self confidence. However, it is not so
within Asian American families. Obedience is an appropriate
way of showing respect.
6. Hierarchical structure
• Males have a higher status
• Translates into family/ marriage
dynamic
Father is distant
• Focuses on economic needs
Mother is closer to family
• More responsive
• Responsible for verbal/physical punishments
Parents will make significant sacrifices for the
benefit of the children
Parents teach children to avoid trouble
7. Following historical guidelines, males have been the one to carry on
the family name, and women are married off into other families. This
distinction gives males a higher status. Even within a marriage,
males tend to have the upper hand and final say in most matters.
Some can argue that this is sexist, but it has been this way for
generations. Fathers, like some American traditions, typically have
the responsibility of providing for the family while the mother takes
care of domestic matters.
Similar to most immigrants, Asian parents will do almost anything to
achieve the “American Dream” for themselves and/or their children.
Parents will work extremely hard and make considerable sacrifices
just to see their children succeed in both school and work.
Following the “model minority" concept, parents teach children to
avoid causing trouble out of fear of legal and social complications.
This is also the result of language barriers. Parents are afraid of
serious societal consequences, and therefore encourage a more
passive behaviors.
8. Currently, there are several
levels of income
• Low – recently immigrated
families
• Middle – the most common;
hardworking parents in blue
collar jobs, small business
owners
• High – educated parents; higher
status in mother country, family
has been in US for several
generations
9. Asian American families, like most families, vary in money and
income. The reasons though, are slightly different. The low
income families typically have recently immigrated and are just
starting their “American Dream”. The most accessible way to
achieve this American Dream is to make money. Due to
language barriers, as mentioned before, employment is
sometimes difficult. Therefore, many Asian American work in
stereotypical markets where a niche has already been carved
out. For example, this explains why Chinese families own
Chinese-restaurants. Similarly, this explains why blue-collar
jobs are so common. There are simply less barriers of entry.
High-income families can be explained by parents that are
more educated, know English, and/or have been in the US
longer. Asian Americans that have medium to high income
typically have an easier experience than lower income Asian
Americans.
10. Parents approve of the “model minority”
stereotype
• Education is the 1st/2nd priority
• High expectations
Allother activities are only
distractions/obstacles from school
There is no sacrifice to great for education
• Money, time, resources etc.
Good grades are a major component of being
a “good child”
College is the standard
• No college is equivalent to failure
11. The “American Dream”, in the eyes of Asian parents, can most
easily be achieved through a good education. This is why
Asian Americans are so pressured to do well academically.
Nothing else is deemed as important, which explains why
Asian Americans are so underrepresented in other fields. The
only exception is school-related extracurricular activities.
If an Asian American has good grades, they are considered a
good child, even if they may be poor in other areas. Because
Asian parents place such a high value on education, there is
immense stress to do well and meet the “standard”. Being
“average” is not something to be proud of, striving for
excellence is the only way.
Asian Americans continue to struggle with this because they
want to please their parents and family, bust also maintain a
sense of self and belonging amongst their peers.
12. AsianAmericans lives in what seems like
“two worlds”
• Asian values versus mainstream society
• Connection with native culture can be easy or
difficult
Typically
speak 2 or more languages
Asian Americans largely do not refer to
themselves as Asian American
• Specify ethnic group (Chinese-American…etc.)
13. Asian American must live with the cultures of their parents, but
also the culture of the US. These two distinct “worlds” can be
confusing and are frequently the reason for social problems.
Finding the right balance is important, but very difficult. Asian
Americans usually relate more with their native culture when
the relationship with the parents is good. They can
understand and accept their parents cultural values. On the
other hand, when this relationship is strained, Asian
Americans can also rebel and try to assimilate as much as
possible. In some cases, they will even abandon their parents
language if they view it as unnecessary.
One particularly interesting aspect of the term “Asian
American” is that most Asian Americans do not use this term.
They will specify the specific ethnic group rather than use this
all-inclusive term. Still, the term Asian American is useful
when referring to these common characteristics.
14. Peopleassociate Asian
Americans with rice and
other mainstream
dishes
• Ignore all other ingredients
and styles
Americans have strong
fascination with
taboo/strange
ingredients
• Dog, cat, snake…etc.
• Also a source of bullying
15. Due to mainstream media, Asian American of all ethnicities
are strongly associated with rice. Unfortunately, this then
disregards/ignores all other aspects of the cuisines.
Americans fail to see the variety in the diet. This then
becomes a source of jokes or bullying. Similarly, there is a
strong fascination among American youths on the taboo
ingredients such as dog or cat. This is also another aspect
that is made fun of. In modern times, these ingredients are
not even used but still remain a source for jokes.
Learning about traditional American meals is a common
aspect of an Asian American upbringing. In many cases,
Asian Americans are subjected to typical foods and customs
until grade school or later.
• EX: meatloaf, backed potatoes, fried chicken
16. Atsome point, Asian Americans are subjected
to bullying or exclusion
• Due to race, language, or general differences
Assimilation is difficult and comes at a price
• Social awkwardness
Commonly referred to as a foreigner
• Despite country of birth (USA) or citizenship status
Asian
Americans may have a less open
showing of emotion
17. Bullying has been a big issue in recent times, and Asian Americans are no
exception. Especially among younger children, differences are generally
targeted and Asian Americans are typically on the receiving end of jokes.
Some of the most common tactics involve making fun of the way Asian
Americans talk, look, smell, and eat. It is especially difficult because Asian
Americans cannot simply change themselves or assimilate because the
home environment does not allow it.
Assimilation is difficult mainly because there seems to be a trade-off
between identities. The more American one becomes, the less Asian he or
she is as well.
Due to the racial differences, people often wrongly assume Asian Americans
to be foreigners. This is especially frustrating when Asian Americans are
treated differently, for not reason at all.
Asian Americans sometimes show little emotion because emotion is linked
socially with weakness and immaturity. Parents will encourage less emotion
because it is a sign of maturity and growth. This is different from
mainstream American culture and can result in misinterpretations.
18. Dating and relationships are frowned
upon, or worse
Relationships are frequently hidden from
parents and family
Physical attractions are taboo and are not
discussed
Dating is not socially acceptable until
college or even after
19. Dating, in the eyes of Asian parents, is a source of distraction. It
takes away from the most important goal: school. Also, because of
the experiences of Asian parents in their home country, they feel that
dating is inappropriate for younger teens and sometimes even young
adults. This is a strong contrast with mainstream American customs
where dating is seen as a growing experience. Asian Americans
typically combat this by being in secret relationships. This is an odd
concept to many Americans, and puts a strain on social interactions.
Even worse, dating and other intimate relations are considered taboo
and not talked about openly. This is the way more Asian parents
were raised, and therefore translates over onto Asian Americans.
Only as an adult is dating finally acceptable, and even then Asian
parents are usually very strict about who their child is involved with.
Dating anyone that is not the same culture/ethnicity is interpreted as
a threat to their own culture and is frowned upon.
20. Now that some of the most common characteristics have been
explained, what next? I hope that this presentation has
enlightened enough people to end some of the discrimination
against Asian Americans. In explaining the behaviors, I hope
to remove some of the mystery that is “Asian American”. In
theory, when you understand the culture more you no longer
feel strangely about it. The way Asian Americans act are not
without reason. As explained, many of the behaviors are a
result of balancing their multiple identities. In reality, Asian
Americans are truly not that different once you make unbiased
comparisons. If Asian Americans make such an effort to
belong and fit it, is it not fair to try to accept their minor
differences and appreciate them as human beings? As
Americans?
