01.09.08
Raise your hand if you’re embarrassed to be Asian!
I’m pretty disappointed to read about the findings of a senior college thesis, “Too Many Asians at this School: Racialized Perceptions and Identity Formation.” It details the beliefs of a handful of Asian American students (27 students), which, I’m sad to say, include the belief that having only white friends, and no slanty-eyed friends, is considered a “badge of honor.” I was floored when I read that, because I cannot imagine a world where I never get to see, talk to, or relate to people who look like me.
In an even more surprising statement, some of these handful of students indicated that “acting white” was a good thing. I’m not really sure what “acting white” is, but the statement in itself speaks volumes of the complete and utter lack of knowledge or interest in one’s own ethnic heritage and ancestry. Am I crazy? What are your thoughts? (Click on “Comments” below to leave your comments.)
Side note: Does anyone find it at all strange that the person, who speaks so authoritatively on his understanding of this study, who is reporting on this news is not Asian American?
AsianAmericanPride said,
January 10, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I can’t even make myself click on the link…. just hearing about it makes me disgusted….
CHOI said,
January 10, 2008 at 11:56 pm
I don’t get why Asian people try to act white. They should know that as much as they try to assimilate with white people they’ll always be on the target of racist jokes and constantly disrespected. Anyone who would want to be friends with people who are going to treat you like shit have no dignity or self respect. As much as I’d love to see more unity in the Asian American community, AA’s who embrace white culture and reject their own heritage are a disappointment.
crystal clear said,
January 11, 2008 at 11:50 am
“Side note: Does anyone find it at all strange that the person, who speaks so authoritatively on his understanding of this study, who is reporting on this news is not Asian American?”
-William Lee
I’m tired of non-Asians trying to post articles on the Asian-American experience like they know anything. Like as if we cant take care of ourselves. No thanks. I don’t need your help to tie my shoelaces and wipe my @$$.
We need more AA’s representing in journalism and other facets of the media.
crystal clear said,
January 11, 2008 at 11:51 am
I’m tired of non-Asians trying to post articles on the Asian-American experience like they know anything. Like as if we cant take care of ourselves. No thanks. I don’t need your help to tie my shoelaces and wipe my @$$.
We need more AA’s representing in journalism and other facets of the media.
Steve Hsu said,
January 12, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Besides the having white friends comment, what does acting white mean. Does it mean not talking in broken english and not driving 98 Honda Civics all the time. Come on the only reason this legitamate article was linked on this site was to incite some asian pride douchebag on how all asians are traitors or some bullshit. HERITAGE, WTF are you talking about are you serious !!! I guess I won’t be eating that hamburger today it might make the asians hate me more. ;P
Randy said,
January 14, 2008 at 1:00 am
I think we need to define what “acting white” is. For blacks, acting white may mean being studious or speaking in a certain way.
What the heck does “acting white” mean to an Asian person? We’re already stereotyped as studious, and I don’t think speaking properly would make an Asian person think they were acting white. So what does this even mean?
Zuno said,
January 14, 2008 at 4:44 am
i think they just prefer potatoes over rice, and now they found other asians who feel the same way and were also forced to always eat rice at home. =)
No seriously, to me acting white as an asian just means that you don’t know anything about your ancestors country in terms of language, tradition, pride, etc.; so everytime you happen to be around grown ups you are irritated and get mad (at yourself) about that, ergo you distance yourself from “those people” and hang out with whites who look more uncomplicated.
John Smith said,
January 14, 2008 at 11:55 am
What effect does acting white have on the dating prospects of a given Asian male? Usually the answer to that question usually explains 90% of human behavior.
Zuno said,
January 20, 2008 at 6:12 pm
You really think so? Why would a girl pick someone who “behaves” white over an actual white person?