musiclover
Nov 6, 2010
Undergraduate / I don't fit in the stereotypes, Chinese culture - where you come from: UC Prompt #1: [3]
Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
Walking up and down the streets of Chinatown, I could smell the hot, steamy, juicy scent of dim sum, the sweet, savory scent of pastries, the booming sounds of Chinese music, and the eye-catching, sparkling dresses of Chinese culture. Being raised mostly by American culture, going to Chinatown always interests me because it was like a different world. As I grew up, I've learned more about the struggles that my family had gone through in America and China, and the knowledge indirectly influenced me to study more about the struggles and stereotypes of Asian-Americans.
Throughout my whole life, there are times when I get affected by the stereotypes that have been placed upon us. My parents have never pressured me to get above a 4.0 GPA or get straight A's, but being surrounded by friends and family that have accomplished more than I have brought my confidence down. I've never been the stereotypical Asian that aces every test or studies day and night and there are things that I don't easily understand. Despite all the hard effort I put into my school work, it still feels like I've failed compared to others. But as I've grown up, I realized that I don't need to be super smart to fit in. I am able to be my own person who likes to watch sports, listen to all types of music, and dream of being able to venture around Asia. Though I'm not a strong religious person, the readings from the Bible inspired me to put in a lot of effort and try hard, no matter where it may take me.
Recently, my sister introduced me into Asian music and it too influenced me to learn more about Asian-American studies because in the entertainment industry here, there are rarely any Asians that make it big in America. It made me question why artists in Asia are huge, but that popularity doesn't spread in the western hemisphere, where artists are known throughout the world.
I want to be able to spread knowledge about Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam to others because it seems like many people are ignorant about cultures besides their own.
Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
Walking up and down the streets of Chinatown, I could smell the hot, steamy, juicy scent of dim sum, the sweet, savory scent of pastries, the booming sounds of Chinese music, and the eye-catching, sparkling dresses of Chinese culture. Being raised mostly by American culture, going to Chinatown always interests me because it was like a different world. As I grew up, I've learned more about the struggles that my family had gone through in America and China, and the knowledge indirectly influenced me to study more about the struggles and stereotypes of Asian-Americans.
Throughout my whole life, there are times when I get affected by the stereotypes that have been placed upon us. My parents have never pressured me to get above a 4.0 GPA or get straight A's, but being surrounded by friends and family that have accomplished more than I have brought my confidence down. I've never been the stereotypical Asian that aces every test or studies day and night and there are things that I don't easily understand. Despite all the hard effort I put into my school work, it still feels like I've failed compared to others. But as I've grown up, I realized that I don't need to be super smart to fit in. I am able to be my own person who likes to watch sports, listen to all types of music, and dream of being able to venture around Asia. Though I'm not a strong religious person, the readings from the Bible inspired me to put in a lot of effort and try hard, no matter where it may take me.
Recently, my sister introduced me into Asian music and it too influenced me to learn more about Asian-American studies because in the entertainment industry here, there are rarely any Asians that make it big in America. It made me question why artists in Asia are huge, but that popularity doesn't spread in the western hemisphere, where artists are known throughout the world.
I want to be able to spread knowledge about Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam to others because it seems like many people are ignorant about cultures besides their own.