Why do people expect Japanese Americans to be "ethnic"?

Question

I'm a 3rd generation Japanese - my parents and I were born here in America. My parents and grandparents were interned in the camps during the war and when they got out, they tried to assimilate into the Amer culture so that they wouldn't be harrassed or discriminated against. So they raised me, my siblings and our generation to be Americans. I dont' even know any Japanese!

But yet people all the time tell me I "should" visit Japan, I "should" speak Japanese, I "should" know more about the culture, etc etc.

Why??? I"m more interested in Latin American culture than anything else and speak near-fluent Spanish! Why can't an American (with asian background) be free to be a typical American? They see my face and tell me what I should and should not be like.

Answer 1

Dude, I'm in the same boat as you. I am a 3rd generation Chinese-American and I, too, do not speak my native tongue. The sad thing is, my Asian friends call me "white boy". But white people look at me as "Hey, what country are you from?" I kind of hate my situation, I'm not white, but also I'm not Asian enough for my Asian friends. I feel like I'm in this gray area of society. My grandfather fought for the United States in World War II. Can you believe that? A Chinese guy fighting for the United States back then. I have my grandfather's honorable discharge papers to prove it. And still white people think I'm not an American. This blows.

Answer 2

What is the word for your generation here in America--Nisse. I did a paper on Japanese for my ethnicity class. Very interesting!

Anyway, first I'm sorry that you're family had to go through that. It was wrong and horrible. Second, I understand why your parents tried to assimilate as much as possible.

I think that you should do whatever you want to do. I think, though, that it is important to know about your heritage. Maybe not travel to Japan or speak Japanese fluently, but enough to know where your family came from and why.

Answer 3

Maybe they just think you should like it cuz its cool. A lot of Americans are into a little extra culture. I like the fact that I'm Celtic even though my ancestors come from Scottland many generations ago and I have never been there. I just like the knots and stuff. It not like they are generalizing you in some bad way to say you are Japanese. Most Americans like Japanese culture so they probably think you would too especially since you have a legitimate claim to it.

Answer 4

Because they want to satisfy their curiosity through you. Just as you are interested in Latin culture, you spark an intrest in asian culture within them. I have a good friend that has a Japenese mother and a Black father. I love to go their house for the teriaki chitterlings.

Answer 5

hmmm... that's a toughie. i myself am vietnamese-american, born and raised here, and i know all about my culture. they're not telling you that you HAVE to look into the culture, they're just suggesting it.

i'm not saying that what you're doing is wrong, it's not. it's just your choice. it's okay to be like this, but sometimes people like us [and i'm not saying you are] regret not learning about their background and things like that.

it's a little predjudiced, i know. but, now in this world [actually, this melting pot] we just have to deal with it. no matter what we say, they won't quit! if you're brave enough, then just say "come on, just lay off me, okay? this is my choice."

Answer 6

Maybe they figure you should be in touch with your ethnicity. Know your roots. It's good you want to learn others as well...I don't really know.

Answer 7

just try not to forget your roots ok?

Answer 8

dont forget your roots

Answer 9

DO THEY? FOR SURE? YOU INFO IS COLD

Answer 10

i dunno . My mom is Japanese and she cant even speak it !!!