If you’re going to be a minority, may I suggest joining us on Team Asian-American? We’re kind of like VISA: accepted in more places (than any other minority group).
Think about it. They’re building walls to keep Latinos out of the country. Middle Eastern? People think Jihad is your middle name. And if you’re African-American, sorry, your crime is the color of your skin. Now if you’re Asian-American, well, you get to enjoy the perks of acceptance.
We’re wise, like The Karate Kid’s Mr. Myagi. We’re shy and quiet, like that dorky Asian kid in School of Rock. Kim Jong Il is adorable. And we’re comic relief, like The Donger from Sixteen Candles.
You see, while other minority groups tend to be more demonstrative when it comes to addressing social inequities, we Asians tend to be fairly quiet because we don’t want to cause any trouble. Consequently, I think we’re perceived as being “safe”. For instance, when white people are sitting in a car and a group of Asians are walking towards them, I don’t think anyone is suggesting they lock the doors.
It’s almost like Caucasian America thinks of us as some darker shade of white. Take this group exercise for example. When an Asian is the only minority amongst a pride of white people, it’s been my experience that the group has no reservations about telling “ethnic” jokes. My usual response is a nervous laugh that seems to say, “Yes, yes, my friend. You are so correct in your astute observation.” Now, I know better and should protest such offensive remarks. But hey, I don’t want to cause any trouble.
always entertaining, my friend! i think you're definitely onto something. reading about another person's honest experiences and perceptions as a minority in this country is like taking a breath of fresh air. it's about time we hear what life is really like from the inside. keep writing, and i'll keep reading!
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