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GOLDSEA |
ASIAMS.NET |
ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
WHAT FOBs THINK OF AMERICAN-BORN ASIANS
y FOBs we mean anyone who has ever been called an FOB. -- "fresh-off-the-boat", anyone not born here. In other words, half the AA population. Even the 2 million AA who immigrated as kids and speak English like -- or in some cases, better than -- native-born Americans rarely escape the sting of being dismissed by American-Born Asians (ABAs) based on real or imagined differences.
The stereotype of the hopeless FOB who just doesn't get American culture is all too familiar. But intra-Asian prejudice is a two-way street.
No less insulting are the images held by FOBs. ABAs are the descendants of the lowliest of peasants forced to flee their homelands to become indentured servants, sniff some FOBs. Born and bred to accept second-class status in a white society, sneer others. Slackers who don't know the meaning of ambition and sacrifice -- and who lack the guts to do anything about it in any case.
FOBs run the socio-economic gamut. A significant minority (perhaps a tenth) are highly successful trans-Pacific business families seeking a safe haven for their fortunes. The vast majority are engineers, scientists, physicians and academics braving the uncertainties of new lives for a chance to work hard for more money and better opportunities. A few are refugees and illegals risking their lives to escape hopeless, grinding poverty.
It's safe to say few FOBs feel in any respect disadvantaged relative to American-born Asians. In fact, given a dozen years most do as well or better than ABAs financially, if not socially. They can be excused, then, for harboring some less-than-flattering assessments of ABAs. By the same token, in their struggle to acculturate, FOBs often come to appreciate the trails blazed by the ABS, or at least, by their ancestors.
Assuming you're FOB or straddling the FOB-ABA fence, what's your image of ABAs? Let's hear the good as well as the bad.
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 06:03:34 PM)
American of Chinese Descent,
I'm one of those rare 4th generation ABCs who didn't learn Chinese while growing up. Although I'm taking Mandarin in college right now for god knows what sake? And your right FOBS had better change their views fast otherwise, we have no one but a bunch of stereotypical bastards who give us a bad name. I feel your enduring pain of not being accepted by other Asians in our "melting pot" we call the U.S. (whatever) I think I have somehow adapted nicely into American culture but its drawbacks are many when looked upon by other Asians. I'm tired of being branded as an outcast, I think its time for all asians to become one too.
I like to play the guitar, listen to mainly brit-rock, rock-climb, with a strong infatuation with motorcycles. Why the solitary deeds? Because everybody doesn't think very highly of my lifestyle. (ESPECIALLY ASIANS)
Well, because we are few in numbers, we carry the burden of having no TRUE identity.
I really feel your pain my brother, Rock-On and hope our kids someday don't have to go through this bullsh*t.
Gregory -the Saint
Gregory -the Saint
whowebe@aol.com
Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 23:25:56 (PST)
american of chinese descent,
i understand how u feel. i really enjoy chinese food and culture a lot. everytime when i'm in a chinatown, i like to try the different restaurants and see the different shops. but one thing that bothers me is the old mentality of the chinese who own those businesses in the chinatowns or those who live/work in them. they always regard ABA chinese as inferior to the less assimilated FOBs because somehow we don't speak chinese or if we do, it isn't proper enough. these people also b*tch about us for being "soft" and honest, it's like being good natured isn't a good thing to them.
aba chinese not comfortable with fobs
Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 16:12:27 (PST)
It's a shame that there isn't enough understanding between those who are newly arrived and those who've been here for awhile. I, personally, do not look down on those who are so called, FOBs. I think they are courageous whether they realize it or meant to be that way. I believe this for all the hurdles that they have to endure. Although, they must understand that they, and also young ABAs, have a culture, a society, and a community whereas those from long ago did not. Appreciate your conditions and make the most of it because others have had it worse.
I have a personal anecdote that fits this issue. My mother told me that the girls at her nail salon think I look down on them. If you know me, you would know that this is a ridiculous assumption. However, she says that they based this view on the way I interact with them. It just so happens that I'm not comfortable speaking Viet I'm not very good at it. Also I'm fairly shy and there is little that I and these girls have in common. When she told me this, I defended myself then thought about it more and realized that I wasn't doing enough to communicate with them. Even if I am shy and feel that we have little in common, I should still reach out to them as human beings and as people of my culture. I would hope that others will do the same.
nsearch
Monday, January 28, 2002 at 21:04:27 (PST)
I'm an ABA. My parents escaped from southern China during WWII and the communists. My father was a paper son. (read up on your history if you don't know what a "paper son" is)
Most immigrants (like Russians, Japanese, Filipino, ...) don't have a clue about being "American". This cluelessness is not a FOB monopoly.
My blood line is 100% chinese and I speak little Cantonese. To most Chinese FOB's, I'm an fake, not a real chinese person. I get crap from other immigrants of different nationalities for not speaking/acting chinese.
I listen to heavy metal and blues. I ride a Ducati motorcycle. I'll hang out with anyone who will accept me for what I am.
American of Chinese Descent
Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 22:54:31 (PST)
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