Asian Americans as a Movement:

The term Asian American is somewhat used to divide those who come from different parts of the world. However, that is not to say that there are not differences between different ethnic groups and the subsequent generations. The term Asian American is almost to broad to have a specific definition.

From Toi Shan to The Olympic Peninsula:

Today’s recent exploitation in immigration was that of the kids in cages under the trump administration. However, there has been similar treatments described in this first portion of the interview. Kids and cages and parent separation is not a new subject in American immigration.

The Promise of America:

The current concept of America and the glass ceiling is one that is highly debated. It is interesting to see an immigrant say that he can reach any height he wants to. This might be a product of times or maybe it has to do with the individual experiences that separate people as individuals.

It’s About more than hitting the books:

The discrimination that her German friend felt about saying her husband is Chinese, is like the reaction my parents ran into when looking for a place in Seattle. They got it in some neighborhoods, so that’s why I live on Beacon hill. It’s interesting to see similar experiences from different cultures or it might just be the nature of the area.

Making a new life:

Sometimes immigration is a way for people to advance in their life, as present in some of the Chinese immigration stories. But it can also be a total reset. Your past career almost doesn’t matter.

Changing the Tide of History:

I had a similar experience when I came to evergreen. I grew up in a diverse neighborhood, so my race never played into my life. As soon as I came to this school, it was clear that I was a minority and different than the majority of the students. It kind of pulled me closer to my culture and my neighborhood.

Into the Governor’s Mansion:

While it may not be perfect, there is progress being made for the way people see Asian Americans. It matters less about where they are born as well, as long as they are providing good role models for their communities.

Restaurant, Public Office, and even Bruce Lee:

Public relations were necessary. Since other races couldn’t identify the differences between Asian cultures and ethnicities, sometimes other Asians were abused because they were mistaken for another ethnicity (In this case Japanese).

Grassroots Victories:

It’s not really discussed about the tensions between other non-white communities. There was a lot of tension between blacks and Asians. Not only for historical reasons but because there was a survival of the fittest mentality when it came to the budget and having voices be heard.

Marriage and The Green Card:

Immigration did not only come with the negativity towards immigrants. It was also a system that could be abused by spouses to keep their wives from staying with them. It really affected people physically and psychologically.

Building an Orphanage in China:

If you don’t know where you come from, you end up as this sort of shell. You can still succeed, but there will be this hole that can’t be filled except with an understanding of identity.

Cowboy from Japan:

Even though Hank Sasaki was separated from the United States for the beginning of his life, he was still able to relate and be touched by the music that came from the states. Subsequently, people from the states were able to relate to him, even though they did not share the same experience.

Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele:

Jake Shimabukuro developed his music similar to how Bruce Lee develop his martial arts. He took things from his own experience and applied it to study and what others were doing. It was less about where it was from and more about what he was interested in.

The Fortune Cookies:

Even though they were Chinese, they believed what they sang was white. It was rock and roll written by a Jewish song writer. To them it wasn’t much of an issue though. It was more about the experience and what they were making.

From Laos to Iowa:

Growing up in a conservative town and being accepted. It really shows that the area you grow up in can really differ from others around you. Conservative in this case wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Harlan, Kentucky:

The way that Lee grew up was an almost exact parallel from others in the book. He was shocked when he met with other minorities, while others were shocked about the lack of them.

Growing up in Los Angeles:

Some of the tensions that were created to between groups have some validity. There is tension because of actions of a few that gives people the false right to judge many.

Portland, Oregon:

Again, this is a story that shows that area is really important to one’s youth. He doesn’t really see himself being held back by his race because of the environment he was brought up in. His wife also doesn’t really see him as anything else.

Growing up in Hawaii:

Groining up in Hawaii is vastly different from the mainland.  People knew the differences between Asians, and everyone was more aware of everyone’s culture. There was also a greater sense of community.

Between Continents:

Growing up between continents put David Tang in a more outsider spot. He didn’t really fit in with people in Hong Kong because he was American. But because he was going between place to place, he didn’t have much time to fit into America.
Cultural Anchors:

Korean men are not supposed to be emotional in a traditional sense. Because of this, it can create rifts between generations. I wonder if the “My America” Seattle interview, the father wouldn’t comment on how he feels about his son’s actions?

Of work and Family:

The cultural ties in the Philippines and America are different. Women are seen as second-class citizens in the Philippines, so coming over to America for some women is a better offer.

An Editor of Entertainment News:

Being Asian doesn’t seem to mean much to Albert Lee, at least in his business. It might have to do with the fact that there are not many Asians in the entertainment business, but there seems to be a lot in the entertainment Journalism business.

Chinatown, New York:

Chinatown(s) needs to be more affordable. There are areas where no one lives in them anymore. That is a dynamic that is starting to appear.

Of Japanese Towns and Cultural Communities:

The camps not only took away their homes and rights as Americans. They also left a psychological effect on the generation. Most of that generation avoided talking about it to their children and grandchildren.

Hmong Community:

The area that Steve Thao came into is worse off than other Hmong communities. They have a problem where the subsequent generations are going to have more issues than the ones that came over with nothing. There’s not a lot they can do to change it either.

Vietnamese in Maryland:

There is a disparity between immigrants. There are many who come over in complicated ways with nothing. But Vietnam officers had an easier time coming over into the states.

Living outside of Koreatown:

People who live in Koreatown are different from the ones who live outside. Koreatown is more of a place where people can find familiarity with their home country. Those who were born in America see it more as a place to visit but not live.

Claiming Space:

Carrying about one’s culture is important to some. They want to git rid of the distinguishing features of American and South East Asian. It is important to be successful outside of the community but to be apart of it as well.

Very Tough Times:

Chinatown was deserted after 9/11. This restaurant couldn’t afford supplies to serve certain meals. What really saved the business was the supportive customers who would come out of their way to eat there, ones outside of the community.

New York’s Chinatown: Getting back on its feet:

We don’t really think about the people that were (in)directly affected by 9/11. A lot of business had to close down because traffic couldn’t get through. There was still a lot of progress to be made to get Chinatown back to its former glory.

Within the South Asian Community:

Similar to how the Chinese were misidentified as Japanese, South East Asians were conflated with each other. The differences in culture between South East Asians, more specifically browner ones, didn’t matter to those who were in fear of terrorism. No one took the time to separate them.

Reconnecting:

Even if you are African American, you won’t necessarily fit in if you are mixed. I felt the same way in my neighborhood, because I didn’t necessarily like to do things or listen to the same music that other black people were listening too. I also ate a lot of Italian food, so some people say I’m Italian and not black.

Marriage:

Marriage became a big issue for Gita Deane and her partner. The reason for this was for the sake of their children. Like many other immigrants and their families, the parents had to sacrifice a lot, or were worried so they can provide a better life for their children.

Being Asian, Being Gay:

For Albert Lee, he finds that he sees himself more as gay than Asian American. He thinks it’s because one affects his life more than the other. Being gay will stop him progress in life, Asian not so much.

Adopted from Seoul to New Jersey:

Even though he was adopted from Korea, he still finds that his home is America. He and his older sister both believe that even though it was hard, it was probably better for them than in Korea. He believes that even though he wants to connect back with his family, that his family right now is more important.

Found:

While Kristen Houghton sees America as her home, she has a bitter sweet relationship with her family in Korea. It was hard for her to come over to the states, but she thinks it was for the better. She was also around to make the transition easier for her younger adopted brother.

Of Personal Challenges and Triumphs:

Growing up in America vs China, the opinion of marrying was different. Ark Chin did not want to marry initially because he knew of the culture that was other there. But he found love in a more “modern” way in Hong Kong.

Journeys of Self Discoveries:

Candice Chin couldn’t really connect with her parent’s philosophy on dating and how to be wary of other races. She had to go to China to really understand where her parents were coming from. A sign that growing up in a different country can really change your outlook.

Hapa with Strong Chinese Roots:

Susha Pratt grew up in a white world and a Chinese world. She identifies a little more with her white side because that’s where she grew up. But she is still proud to be Chinese and connects with her heritage in anyway she can.