There. That was my disclaimer, and that being said: a land like America has potential for problems. And no, I'm not just talking oil spills and abortion issues.
Recently I was talking with an Asian friend and he was telling me about how he grew up in a white neighborhood, and how he didn't really get along with his parents. On top of all this, he understood very little about the Asian culture because his parents had taken on the "American-White" style of living. On top of all this, he had a very bad experience going back to his home country, where his grandparents just yelled at him and made him go to school in the summer (since Asian countries have schedules different than ours). So overall, he felt very uncomfortable in any setting consisting of a bunch of Asians. He was much more comfortable around white people.
The question that went through my mind is: How can one feel uncomfortable around people their own type!?!
Now that question may be too naive in nature, but in my experience, and with others' experiences, I have come to realize the norm of society is the concept that "like-begets-like." I suppose there might be some childhood trauma or disgust involved with my friend, but I don't think it even borderlines abuse in terms of being a "turn-off" to people like him. I guess it's also an identity crisis. Not having been reinforced with who you are early in life can often lead to confusion about who you are and who you interact with later in life. Not saying that it is all bad- often people who develop like this can be very open minded to things like other ethnicities. Yet, I feel they lose a sense of their own internal ethnic identity.
Growing up in a relatively traditional Asian family, I guess I really do have a bias, and I assume that all Asians that are in my generation have grown up with their parents' traditional influences. My grandma always said to me "marry a Chinese woman; Chinese people are good; stay together with your fellow Chinese people, they understand you best." Stuff like that. Not that I'm going to necessarily follow any of that. Yet, talking with my friend made me realize not everyone was like that and how America was slowly trending towards a loss of ethnic identity.
What does it mean to be an American? I hope it certainly doesn't mean to forgo or forget about one's roots. Unfortunately, more and more people are becoming complacent or apathetic about their roots. Something, which could end up being very dangerous in the future of America's ethnic diversity...
Just something to consider and think about!!
-KKZ
I would have to disagree to your points. Although it's nice to know your own roots I don't think it's a big problem to be in touch with your roots. Just because your Asian friend grew up white and ends up not liking Asian culture, roots, etc., it doesn't make it wrong for him to no longer be in touch with his roots. I'm mixed Chinese and Filipino but have had a white stepdad for most of my life. I don't see a problem with me being more in touch with my Filipino side than my Chinese side.
ReplyDeleteIf you find this a problem then sadly you'd find 70% of America a problem when most white people are no longer in touch with their original European roots.
What makes one an American? I think the mixing bowl of all the races, cultures, and ethnicities makes one an American. Sticking with your own roots religiously I think does not make you an American since many people that come to America come for the reason of escaping some part (or all parts) of their roots.
Oh and i forgot to add...
ReplyDeleteMy point is, it's not necessarily bad to lose sight of your ethnic roots. Yes, it's a shame but not a wrong thing unless you despise your people as a result of losing your ties (feeling uncomfortable and despising people of the same ethnicity are 2 different things).
what is "American" culture though? If American is the mixing bowl, then it has different distinct cultures. I do not think that there is an "American" culture. It has always been a mix of different cultures.
ReplyDeleteAnd about roots- I disagree with your comment because roots are who you are. How can you ignore your identity? It's like ignoring the fact that you're introverted or extroverted.
And plus, in your example, you are at least embracing one of your roots. My concern is not about mixed roots, it's about having roots at all!
And I don't think people come to America to escape their roots- it's to escape oppression or injustice or to find a better life. That doesn't speak of the culture or ethnic roots itself, but rather how their country's society is run.