Growing up, I competed in piano competitions. Whenever I would walk into a room I always scanned the room for one thing.... Asian-Americans. For some reason, they always seemed to be the most talented musicians. They always seemed to win first place in the piano competitions. When my younger sister started competing on the violin, it was the same story. The asians were always so talented!
The other stereotype of Asian-Americans is that they are insanely smart. I remember Chang, a Chinese-American I grew up with in elementary school. He was the math wiz, the kid who was always done with his homework before the rest of us.
In Time Magazine, the difference between Asian and American parenting is identified along with the positive and negative impact of each parenting method. The article is based on a book written by an Asian-American which discusses the way Asian parents versus Caucasian parents raise their children as a culture.
Asian-Americans are typified as a cut above the rest when it comes to academics and musical abilities. They are known for their discipline, hard work ethic and their motivation to seek perfection. They are thought as competitive and a culture that perseveres. As a result, they excel in those specific areas. It's interesting also to note the challenges that come along with that. I remember watching an Asian-American at a piano competition. She fumbled in the middle of her piece and forgot where she was in the music. When she sat down next to her family it seemed as though she had disgraced her family. As a Caucasian I saw this as sad and unfair of her parents. However, I realize more that because of my cultural perception about the proper way to raise children is, that is why I was shocked by the cold reaction the young girl received from her parents.
Although different in culture, Asian-Americans are raised in a way that trains them to excel and to strive and expect the best. As a result, they are successful, reliable and dedicated individuals who add so much to the United States.
This was very well-written and interesting to read. I definitely agree that this stereotype is at large in the United States. I think that the way we are raised has a lot to do with things like our discipline, work ethic, and motivation. It would be fun to read that article in Time Magazine. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI think this stereotype is so true. Number 2 in my graduating class was Asian American, and everyone just thought he was a genius about everything. He also felt the enormous pressure to be a genius because he was Asian. It's funny because his other Asian friends rejected this stereotype and were often as lazy and the rest of us. It's unfair to put so much pressure on someone to be smart simply because of their race.
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