The over-represented minority
How do I position myself? As a woman, I'm considered minority in my field. As an Asian, I'm considered the "over-represented minority".
Just being me seems to be not enough. I have to be someone, or at least, I have to be perceived as someone. I start to wonder why Chinese people in the mid 1900s are classified by classes, and why, today, American people classify themselves based on race and gender.
Don't get me wrong. Yes, I am confident, I am competitive, and I am enjoying my graduate life in every way I can. I might not have seen it all, but I have managed to find my own way, to deal with up and downs, and to make decisions that direct my life towards what I want. At this point of my life, I know that I can and I know that I will.
Yet still, it seems unclear to me where I fit in. Most of those who are or who were like me made smart choices, such us entering and concentrating on their family. If they choose to stay in US, their children will be Chinese-American, and they will become the Chinese parents of American children. Good? Bad? Happy? Unhappy? I still don't see where I fit in.
2 Comments:
I have studied Bible in my professor's home every Friday. At the biginning, I talked very carelessly which annoyed others a lot. And because of the big culture difference between America and China, I was confused a lot: why should I believe the American's belief, Why can not I speak freely? America is a talk-free country, isn't that true? But after living in America for one year, I understand what respect is. You can have your own belief, but you should not speak words offensing others especially your boss and Americans. This is America, you are foreigners. To mock Americans such as the little Busi is one habit of our Chinese. We feel proud of our country when we do that. But actually it is totally wrong. As Chinese, you should not mock Japanese, American, Taiwaneess in public in America.
song qiong
Showing some respect is never a bad idea :-)
In fact, I think cultural diversity is one of the key factors that make US such a unique place.
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