Growing Up Asian-American: My Story of Identity and Struggle

🎭Asian-Americans often feel caught between two cultures and struggle to find acceptance and identity.

🌍Society tends to group Asian-Americans by their race and focuses on their foreignness, which can lead to misconceptions and stereotypes.

💔Asian-Americans sometimes feel the need to reject their own culture in order to fit in and be accepted.

⚪️White becomes the norm in areas with little racial diversity, causing Asian-Americans to conform to whiteness.

🗣️Open conversations about race and identity are crucial to creating understanding and acceptance in society.

How do Asian-Americans feel growing up in a predominantly white community?

—Asian-Americans often feel self-conscious and struggle to reconcile their heritage with the dominant white culture.

Are Asian-Americans expected to conform to stereotypes?

—There is often pressure for Asian-Americans to conform to stereotypes associated with their ethnicity, such as being good at math.

Why do some Asian-Americans distance themselves from their cultural identity?

—Asian-Americans may distance themselves from their cultural identity to fit in and be accepted by their peers.

How can society better understand and accept Asian-Americans?

—Society can start by having open and honest conversations about race, identity, and the experiences of Asian-Americans.

What can individuals do to support Asian-Americans and combat stereotypes?

—Individuals can educate themselves, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity and acceptance of all cultures.

00:00Canwen introduces herself as a musician and aspiring doctor.

02:38She discusses growing up Asian-American in states with little racial diversity.

05:03Canwen shares her struggles with conforming to stereotypes and rejecting her own culture.

06:20She realizes that she had unconsciously designed white characters in a video game.

06:48Canwen discusses the model minority stereotype and the grey zone Asian-Americans often find themselves in.

07:23She talks about society's pressure to fit in and reject cultural heritage.

08:23Canwen admits her struggle to speak out about race issues due to cultural upbringing and fear of judgment.

08:58She acknowledges the importance of talking about and acknowledging racism.