|
|
|
|
|
GOLDSEA |
ASIAMS.NET |
ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
An Asian American Culture?
he concept of a pan-Asian American identity is questioned by two groups of skeptics: recent immigrants and non-Asians. They point to the lack of a shared culture and the history of conflict among the homelands of Asian immigrants. Most often cited are Japan's recent imperialism against its neighbors and the historical resentment against Chinese domination.
True enough for Asians in Asia, but these points miss the mark when it comes to Asian Americans.
Historical animosities are meaningless to Asian Americans who were either born here or who came here at children. And the shared experience of being Asian in America is a strong glue that binds Asians to one another.
That conclusion begs the question: has this shared identity produced a distinctive Asian American culture shared across the boundaries of ancestral origin?
To the extent Asian Americans speak an Asian language at all, it is typically our ancestral tongue. Our Asian travels focus on visits to the ancestral homelands. We show a distinct preference for our ancestral cuisines. So where is the shared culture?
Perhaps the commonalities aren't as obvious as a distinctive cuisine, a traditional dress or colorful rituals, but they are considerable. What AA home doesn't harbor a karaoke machine? What AA family doesn't count its blessings by the number of degrees from elite universities? What AA utility closet isn't jammed with tennis rackets and/or golf clubs? What AA doesn't feel uplifted when another Asian of no matter what national origin distinguishes himself? What AA doesn't gripe about the media portrayals of Asians of no matter what national origin?
We AA also like one another's cuisines and company, judging by the frequency with which we routinely patronise one another's establishments. Ranch 99 and Yaohan markets, pearl tea shops, pho noodle shops, sushi bars and Corean nightclubs and barbeque restaurants are magnets for Asians of every nationality.
Do these add up to an Asian American culture? Or are they merely nostalgic remnants of ancestral cultures in the process of slipping away?
This interactive article is closed to new input.
Discussions posted during the past year remain available for browsing.
CONTACT US
|
ADVERTISING INFO
© 1996-2013 Asian Media Group Inc
No part of the contents of this site may be reproduced without prior written permission.
|
|
|
|
WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 05:56:34 PM)
Laura,
As many of the other responses.. I also say hang in there girl! I am a 31 yr old Korean American male who has always been attracted to caucasian women. This is probably due to the fact that as a child I was surrounded by everyone except those of Korean descent.
Point being that I ABSOLUTELY applaud you for being strong in those awkward times. Personally, my rents are what I consider pretty laid back and open to whomever I date as long as they treat me well and respect as well as has that same feeling when it involves them.
You just need to focus on your relationship... make him some kimchi chigae (kidding, I dont advocate that old school korean style of thinking), and understand that it may take some time.
Also, I would be interested in knowing what your husband does to try and involve you more into his family..does he stand up for you or defend you when it involves the relationship? Is he working hard to make the situation a better one?
Point is you married HIM and not his "ap-bah, um-mah, hod-ahbogee, and hal-monee" (my butchered attempt of phonectic korean)! Stay strong and just know that you are loved!
Pahbu in DC
Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 13:05:03 (PDT)
Laura,
I understand what you mean about Korean families not being very accepting. I'm Korean, and it took my family a long time to come around to the idea that I would even date someone who isn't Korean. My parents eventually came around, once they realized she is a good person who treats me well.
I'm sorry that your husband's family has not been accomodating. I also applaud you for sticking by him. Many times, family hostility breaks up otherwise wonderful relationships. I also applaud your husband for understanding who really cares about him when it came to choosing between you and his family.
JJP
Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 09:06:44 (PDT)
huu76,
I think it has something to do with korean male lineage, which is kept track of, and necessary to go to decent schools, colleges, jobs, etc. Or so I've read. I'm not sure if such things are still applicable in this day and age. But does somewhat insure that external influences on korean culture (due to past invasions?) are kept to a minimum. I'd don't really know, since I haven't live there since I was little.
And yes, I think mamasan needs to take some g0ddamn math classes, and certainly korean and asian women in general should not be so quick to abort or give up korean baby girls either... to add to the burden that they seem to have no problems with women marrying outsiders, while 'prohibiting' men from doing so.
I hope y'all understand that korean moms will get upset at their sons marrying outside the race, but they don't quite "grasp the concept" that there are fewer korean women for them to choose from for various reasons. Of course that doesn't bother them one bit. Duh =P.
I'm not sure how laura's case fits into the scheme of things in korean culture. But interesting to find out.
Japanese and Chinese cultures the same?
ningkompoop savant
Monday, July 22, 2002 at 21:38:25 (PDT)
Laura, I'm glad to read that your husband is supportive in not making you put up with his hateful family. As an AA woman married to a white guy, I am fortunate in that both our families accept our marriage and our kids. However, my parents are immigrants from China, and it took them a long time to accept the fact that their children might one day marry "their own people." The Asians who disapprove of you are dealing with their own issues and insecurities -- It's easier for them to channel those negative feelings towards you than to deal with their own problems. Don't let them make it YOUR problem.
Northwest Girl
Monday, July 22, 2002 at 20:10:37 (PDT)
Laura,
Unfortunately it's a double-standard. Sons are supposed to marry their own race (to properly carry on the family name I guess) while daughters are supposed to marry white when they can.
I guess our parents can't do math very well.
huu76
Sunday, July 21, 2002 at 22:40:49 (PDT)
Laura
Stick in there, who cares what your husband's family thinks. I know it would be great if they accepted you but ultimately its your lives. If they have any love left for their son, they'll come around one day, if not, you and your kids would be better off without them anyway. As long as you and your husband are happy together that's all it really matters.
mikkoli
Sunday, July 21, 2002 at 21:58:38 (PDT)
OK lets get real here - I am a white female married to a Korean - now you must know that anytime I am around Asians or in Asia with my husband I get looks that could kill by Asian women and mostly smiles from the Asian men.
As a white person that has never considered race as an issue in any form I am saddened that Asian women have this bias. No family memeber ever treated my Korean husband with anything but warm smiles and genuine love. His Korean family hates me with an intensity that has made him forever break the family bond.
As a result of this our two sons have no ties with thieir Korean family.
Luckily we have Tibetan and Japanese friends that give us a tie of their Asian roots - thank god for them.
Laura
Saturday, July 20, 2002 at 12:47:05 (PDT)
NEWEST COMMENTS |
EARLIER COMMENTS
|