[Student Reports] Asian-Americans and Stereotypes

David Choi / 10th, Los Alamitos High

Stereotypes exist for almost every group, and while ethnic stereotypes have gotten progressively less discriminatory, it still continues to pervade the lives of Asian-American high school students. A combination of media, social factors, and popular culture has perpetuated the stereotypes, and some seem to agree that the stereotypes are disconcerting and overly generalizing, while others believe that the stereotypes have a reasonable basis.

A common stereotype of Asian-Americans is that they excel in academics and care obsessively about their grades, test scores, and colleges. Jack N., junior, states, “I think that people perceive me differently and have a set of preconceptions even before I talk to them, simply because I‘m Asian--like I’m a grade-obsessed person.” Jack plays two sports, and believes that he is better suited for athletics rather than academics, and finds the stereotype frustrating when people do not take him seriously as an athlete due to his race. Similarly, other Asian-American male students have commented on how they are seen as computer geeks and “nerds.”

Another common stereotype of Asian-American males is the perceived lack of social skills and leadership qualities. According to a survey on CEO‘s, 7% of Americans would not want to work for an Asian CEO, compared to 3% for a woman, 4% for a Jewish American, and 4% for an African-American. In addition, statistics reveal that 23% of Americans are uncomfortable voting for an Asian-American for a Presidential candidate, again compared to 14%, 11%, and 15% for a woman, Jewish, and African-American respectively. Mark, sophomore, states, “It seems that in group situations and meetings, I have to take the initiative and start talking to others, as I can feel that others are somewhat hesitant to talk to me first, which I can’t help but attribute slightly to my different physical appearance.”

Some students, on the contrary, feel that the stereotypes aren‘t necessarily bad, but have a reasonable basis, and that students should actually strive to break them. “It’s true to a certain extent,” says Kevin C., senior athlete. “Stereotypes exist for a reason; African-Americans are generally more athletic and overrepresented in NBA and NFL, and there are many Asian-Americans that do fit stereotypes.” He believes that it‘s not necessarily a bad thing, but a part of culture and life, and something that people can change as an individual. “Being an athlete myself,” he adds, “Has made others perceive me differently than other traditional Asian-Americans. It’s all about perspective, and ultimately, the individual.”

Regardless, many students believe that Asian-American students need to continue to strive for their goals and high positions in society, not letting their race hinder them. Kevin comments, “One thing I‘d admittedly like to see more of, though, is Asian-American males on mainstream media. I rarely see any Asian-American male actors, and I feel that female Asian-Americans are faring better due to their image.” Additionally, many students agree that more interaction with Asian-Americans would help in breaking stereotypes and appreciating different cultures, ultimately leading to a more diverse society less divided by physical appearances.