In middle school, I spent long time in the United States with my friends who have same ethnical background. Since I experienced different stereotypes, I was certain that one of my friends would have experienced similar Asian stereotypes. Kevin is one of my best friends and he has friends from diverse countries. I wanted to know his opinions on stereotypes and his experience.
Me: Do you know what stereotype is? Define it if you do
Kevin: I define stereotype as a common misconception of a certain race. I have always pondered about this word, stereotype, as I was one of the Asian student who is studying abroad in this distant nation. I do not feel threatened by such misconception as I have adjusted to the Western life and made good friends over the course of years. But once in a while, it is inevitable to realize that stereotype exists around me and that it will follow me like a shadow.
Me: What do you think a stereotypical Asian is?
Kevin: I believe that stereotypical Asian is one who can confidently reveal his culture to other foreigners, by eating cultural food or speaking his native language, without being self-conscious. When foreigners look at the Asian students talking in their own language, they often feel left out as they do not speak the same language. As a result, they tend to conclude that the Asians are not compatible with them because the way of communication is different. Moreover, the food the Asians eat can look peculiar and even uninviting to many foreigners and therefore can similarly make the foreigners feel unwelcomed by the Asians. Many of the Asian students, including myself, know that eating “Asian” food and talking in “Asian” language can seclude themselves from the people from other nations. But I inevitably speak in my own language and eat national food when needed, and others can see such action and easily categorize me as a typical Asian.
Me: Have you ever been stereotyped in United States?
Kevin: Although I have not been totally exposed to extreme racism by others, I certainly believe that others did not always see me as a full American. I do not condemn myself for not being fully Americanized nor do I blame others for looking at me in a different angle. As an Asian student living in the states, I believe that it is hard to cherish my identity as a Korean and at the same time be seen as an American.
Me: Do you think you’re a stereotypical Asian?
Kevin: I see myself as a non-stereotypical Asian. I love having friends of differently nationality, and I feel totally comfortable speaking in English. I believe that I am well adjusted to living a life in the states. There are times when my parents call me from Korea or hanging out with my Korean friends, but I strictly limit these activities to an extent that I am not left out in my normal lifestyle as an American. My personal wish is that the people from different nation do not stereotype me just by my appearance, because their action can be seen as no more than superficial and unsubstantiated racism.
Me: How do you feel about Asian stereotype?
Kevin: I feel strongly against the Asian stereotype because the main reason the Asians in the states speak in their language and eat their cultural food is to maintain their identity in such distant nation, not to intentionally segregate the foreigners. It is a matter of how one views the ways Asians act, because there is nothing offensive or harmful in the Asians’ action that threatens the foreigners. I wish people notice that Asians sometimes shows cultural behaviors because the culture is their vital sustenance, a way to keep their root.
Me: How should society deal with stereotypes?
Kevin: One simple way that can solve some stereotype issues is for the foreigners to be more accepting of the Asian culture. I am not suggesting them to love the Asian food or learn how to speak the language. I’ve always seen America as a melting pot, where many nationalities and different backgrounds can commingle and make a strong, united nation. I want the others to appreciate the Asians’ identity and see them as equal part of the American society, because we are certainly the ones who contribute to making the United States of America.
Me: Do you know what stereotype is? Define it if you do
Kevin: I define stereotype as a common misconception of a certain race. I have always pondered about this word, stereotype, as I was one of the Asian student who is studying abroad in this distant nation. I do not feel threatened by such misconception as I have adjusted to the Western life and made good friends over the course of years. But once in a while, it is inevitable to realize that stereotype exists around me and that it will follow me like a shadow.
Me: What do you think a stereotypical Asian is?
Kevin: I believe that stereotypical Asian is one who can confidently reveal his culture to other foreigners, by eating cultural food or speaking his native language, without being self-conscious. When foreigners look at the Asian students talking in their own language, they often feel left out as they do not speak the same language. As a result, they tend to conclude that the Asians are not compatible with them because the way of communication is different. Moreover, the food the Asians eat can look peculiar and even uninviting to many foreigners and therefore can similarly make the foreigners feel unwelcomed by the Asians. Many of the Asian students, including myself, know that eating “Asian” food and talking in “Asian” language can seclude themselves from the people from other nations. But I inevitably speak in my own language and eat national food when needed, and others can see such action and easily categorize me as a typical Asian.
Me: Have you ever been stereotyped in United States?
Kevin: Although I have not been totally exposed to extreme racism by others, I certainly believe that others did not always see me as a full American. I do not condemn myself for not being fully Americanized nor do I blame others for looking at me in a different angle. As an Asian student living in the states, I believe that it is hard to cherish my identity as a Korean and at the same time be seen as an American.
Me: Do you think you’re a stereotypical Asian?
Kevin: I see myself as a non-stereotypical Asian. I love having friends of differently nationality, and I feel totally comfortable speaking in English. I believe that I am well adjusted to living a life in the states. There are times when my parents call me from Korea or hanging out with my Korean friends, but I strictly limit these activities to an extent that I am not left out in my normal lifestyle as an American. My personal wish is that the people from different nation do not stereotype me just by my appearance, because their action can be seen as no more than superficial and unsubstantiated racism.
Me: How do you feel about Asian stereotype?
Kevin: I feel strongly against the Asian stereotype because the main reason the Asians in the states speak in their language and eat their cultural food is to maintain their identity in such distant nation, not to intentionally segregate the foreigners. It is a matter of how one views the ways Asians act, because there is nothing offensive or harmful in the Asians’ action that threatens the foreigners. I wish people notice that Asians sometimes shows cultural behaviors because the culture is their vital sustenance, a way to keep their root.
Me: How should society deal with stereotypes?
Kevin: One simple way that can solve some stereotype issues is for the foreigners to be more accepting of the Asian culture. I am not suggesting them to love the Asian food or learn how to speak the language. I’ve always seen America as a melting pot, where many nationalities and different backgrounds can commingle and make a strong, united nation. I want the others to appreciate the Asians’ identity and see them as equal part of the American society, because we are certainly the ones who contribute to making the United States of America.