The Korea Daily Los Angeles

[Student Reports] Asian-Americans and Stereotypes

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.

[Student Reports] High School Students To Be Honored

Rather than only acknowledging students for their accomplisments at the traditional Academic Letter and Award Night this year Corona del Mar students gathered at an assembly to be presented before the entire student body on May 29th. Awards were given for achievements in academics citizenship community services performing arts and fine arts. Of the 50 awards given some were school based selected by teachers couselors and others were awarded by community organizations whose scholarship committees selected the recipients. Special Recognition awards such as American Legion girls and boys state award Carlo Tosti award Daughters of the American Revolution good citizen award and exchange club youth of the year were given to students who were "all rounded". These students demonstrated leadership service academic accomplishment and participated in extracurricular activities. CdM's community service director Denise Weiland gave out Presidential Service Awards and at last Principal Fal Asrani announced Principal's Leadership Award. Sophomore Zach Haber said that he was "excited to support his peers as they benefit from all their hard work." Although some teachers were concerned that the students would not sit respectfull for an hour counselor Allison Lent said "This assembly encouraged underclassmen to get involved in an area they find interesting."

[Student Reports] Alcohol Education

Shortly after the students of Cypress High's health classes settled down into their seats Mr. Gompert the head counselor of the counseling department began his presentation by assuring the students "I am not going to tell you not to drink alcohol. I am not going to tell you what to do. I am just going to present to you information about alcohol on a logical level." After the blunt introduction even the tired sluggish students suddenly began to look at the counselor with more attentive interest. Throughout our time at school we have been accustomed to school officials drilling us to say no to alcohol drugs etc. and persuading us that giving into peer pressure could only lead to a horrible outcome. Any other type of lecture was unthinkable so having a teacher stand on a neutral disposition was a different experience. First the students took a survey to test how accurate their current beliefs about alcohol were. Some of the questions asked whether they thought a majority of the adult population drank alcohol consistently a unanimous yes from the show of hands and whether they thought alcohol was a drug conversely a majority no. As he gave the correct answers to each of the questions students realized how little understanding they had of alcohol itself and how the media has distorted their views. They learned different facts and statistics such as how much alcohol needed to be consumed before one's body would stop feeling "spiked" and how much money advertisers paid for commercials. He also introduced a concept that our behavior is largely influenced by our mentality. He explained that someone could get drunk simply because they thought they were drinking alcohol even though they weren't. In fact a study has shown that someone who mentally believed they were drinking when they weren't acted more wild than someone who actually had alcohol! Our mental influence is extremely powerful and if we are able to change our perception of alcohol there is a good chance it will help make us better choices as well. At the end the lecture received a positive response because the material actually let students come to their own conclusions after having the right facts instead of just repeating that drinking was a bad thing. Just as Mr. Gompert had promised he delivered a lecture based purely on logic and many students left the class with better information than what they had to begin with. As summer quickly approaches high school students will definitely be inclined to attend many end-of-the-year or summer parties that may provide and pressure one to drink alcoholic drinks. Perhaps the facts learned in these educational classes will stick with each student as they make critical decisions in their life.

[Student Reports] Swine Flu : Hype or Hazard?

A sneeze interrupted the still of a testing classroom. Animated hisses of "Swine flu!" ensue almost immediately afterward causing the broken quiet to erupt into fits of barely restrained giggles. This joking accusation is also often shouted across school halls students laughing at the seemingly improbable exclamation in a manner that expresses the sheer distance they believe separates them from the infamous virus. "It's just regular flu with unnecessary hype" says Kimberly a junior who believes the chances of infection for herself or her friends stand at best at a paltry 8%. Her opinion however is only one of many; her words echoing the increasingly cynic skepticism of the youth. Most of her fellow students who believe the virus is more hype than actual hazard treat the illness and its symptoms almost like the remote details of an urban legend spreading rumors and cracking jokes. "I just don't think it's all that big a deal" sums up freshman Kwon Park. The fact is that we are privileged as inhabitants of America and are thus considerably less vulnerable than most with better medical care and less nutritional deficiencies. So why do so many experts still stress that "despite what you may have heard" the "virus is not going away"? Recent trends indicate that outbreaks are increasing and despite the relative mildness of the diseases' symptoms in comparison to others swine flu may be more of a hazard than initially believed by many teens. As more and more cases are discovered especially in California where the border is shared with Mexico and therefore the disease's epicenter more and more people grow concerned for their own welfare. To prevent such illness and the associated outbreaks many health authorities encourage people to take the following simple but active measures: the common activities of washing your hands keeping your hands away from your face and staying home if feverish can make all the difference in preventing the catching and/or spreading of swine flu. "I take those extra measures and carry a bottle of hand sanitizer everywhere I go" says Elizabeth J. a sophomore who believes that safety is worth all her extra effort "It makes me that much less likely to catch it which is a good feeling."

[Student Reports] Ecstasy Use Common Amongst Teens

Ecstasy or otherwise known as MDMA is a psychoactive drug known to produce a sense of intimacy with others and eliminate any feelings of fear and anxiety. It is also known to generally enhance sensory experiences provide mental clarity along with a sense of inner peace and self-acceptance. But what most adults and parents are unaware of is the fact that ecstasy sales possession and consumption occur regularly within the walls of high schools. Students even Korean Americans are exposed to this drug and its popularity has soared along with the recent hype over "raves." Rave was a term coined back in the 1980's and used to describe all-night dance parties that host performers and DJ's playing electronic trance or techno music. Light shows and artificial fogs are also common at these parties; a specific aspect that provide a hypnotic-like sensation for those who have consumed "e" with their friends prior to entering the rave since it's illegal to possess any at the event. "Raves have recently experienced a sort of revival everyone was dying to attend them these past couple of months" said an anonymous student at Granada Hills Charter High School. "Once you take 'e' you just feel so good nothing can stop that sense of euphoria spreading through your body. But I have to admit some dangerous things can go on at raves especially since we're all under the influence." Ecstasy can be found easily if students have the right connections with the right people at their schools. "E" pills are most commonly sold in the youth community for as much as ten dollars a pill. "Everyone knows how damaging 'e' could be but we do it anyways" the anonymous student stated. "Usually my friends and I purchase the tickets to the raves without our parents knowing and then we just lie saying that we're spending the night at our friend's place on the night of the rave when really we're out doing things our parents would never imagine we'd do." Students also consume recreational drugs such as "e" even when they don't attend any raves. "E" has become a commonplace drug that may be used when students just hang out or attend local high school parties. "It's obvious that our age group and high school students in general are influenced by all sorts of drugs. There's always been this preconception that teenagers just sit around and smoke marijuana or drink alcohol and guess what. It's true" Eugene Lee a junior from Granada Hills Charter High School said. "But consuming 'e' is taking it way too far in my opinion. Not only does it damage your brain cells to a devastating degree but it can also kill you on your first try." "I've seen people on 'e' before. Their eyes dilate and they just keep on touching you because it feels so good to them" senior Pauline Lee from Granada Hills Charter High School said. "It's scary to see my peers put their young lives at risk just for a couple of hours of fun. It's not worth it."

[Student Reports] Foregin Language

A girl clad in a bright pink dress with pigtails stuttered in a Korean accent "H-h-hi. M-m-my name is J-j-enny." Yes her name was Jenny. Little did everyone know just how much this 1.5-generation Korean would improve within a year. Jenny's fluent English appalled the rest of the church girls. She had arrived from Korea in the sixth grade and rapidly improved her English by seventh grade. However that was four years ago; she might as well pass off for a second-generation Korean now. Nevertheless there are some 1.5-generation Koreans who do not strive to improve their English. In fact once they are placed in ESL they tend to interact with only other Korean kids. As a matter of fact ESL classes are flooded with 1.5-generation Koreans. Since Koreans may not be comfortable with English they usually use Korean with one another. For this reason some Koreans may not be able to expand their vocabulary and speaking skills in English. On the contrary Jenny actively participated in her classes; she even remained after class to ask the teacher questions. In fact she was not afraid to speak English in her Korean accent. As a result the teachers were more interested in helping Jenny enhance her English subject. She read books all day and night which resulted in her fluent flawless English now. Even to this day Jenny manages to squeeze in at least two books per week despite her busy schedule as a junior. Additionally Jenny mingles with both non-Koreans and Koreans which demonstrates her Americanized and Korean demeanor. Jenny's rapid improvement in English within a year takes some Koreans about five years to reach her level. Some of the factors that may contribute to some Koreans' lack of motivation to master English may be due to the abundant amount of Koreans. As mentioned earlier once first-generation Koreans meet they actively speak in Korean. As a result they will only continue to expand their Korean skills despite their immigration to the U.S. In addition Koreans may struggle with the abrupt cultural difference for Korean culture is drastically different from American culture. For instance many Koreans never raise their hands unless they feel competent to answer the teacher's question. Contrarily American Mexican and other foreign students do not hesitate to raise their hands despite the high possibility of getting the question wrong. Once Koreans eventually stabilize themselves in the Americanized environment they should explore the deeper ends of the American culture to fully master English.

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