The AsiAn herAld
December 2016 (9)
I am an Asian-American WINNER OF I AM ASIAN-AMERICAN WRITING CONTEST Full Name: Nishitha Karumuri North Mecklenburg High School Current Grade: 10th
Jeremy Lin, Mindy Kaling, Jimmy Cho, Michelle Phan, Nishitha Karumuri. What do they all have in common? Although they span across several cities, have various careers, and different skin tones, they share one key thing: they are all Asian-Americans. These influential figures in modern society have overcome several hurdles to be where they are and many of those stem from their ethnic background. Growing up as an Asian-American in today’s world can be quite difficult due to the stereotypes assumed by society and the variety of cultural differences they experience. Nevertheless, an Asian-American upbringing can be quite rewarding. As a fifteen year old AsianAmerican girl, brought up in a South Indian household, my childhood was quite different from others. Since the AsianAmerican community prides itself on excelling in science and
mathematics, I was enrolled in Kumon and received additional homework from School Supplement the minute I could read. Whenever I complained about how my nonAsian-American friends got to play outside in their free time, I would get the very typical “We came here from India to give you a better life. I walked ten kilometers in the rain and blazing hot sun just to get to school” speech. I would work diligently on my assignments so I would be rewarded with the opportunity to play outside, however, it did not always work out in my favor. Nine times out of ten, I was told to go back inside because I would get too tan and my “matrimonial quality” would go down. Being fair skin in the Indian society is highly valued because it is a sign of intelligence, beauty, and wealth. My mom would even apply the very popular Fair & Lovely cream in hopes of having a fairer skinned daughter. These cultural norms very quickly defined my standards of beauty, however, I found other things more important. Throughout my upbringing, my parents would always make negative remarks about those who
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT:
UISAC is urgently looking for Administrative Medical Assistant for Health and Nutritional needs of seniors for South Asian origin in community senior center. Special ethnic languages, cultural skills along with one year Administrative Medical Assistant experience required with background check.
Call: 704-491-1186
E-mail: nimishbhatt@bellsouth.net
aspire to become a singer, dancer, actor, or something untraditional. The stereotype demonstrated in society about Asian-Americans and their career choices are quite true. One has three options: doctor, engineer, or lawyer. Otherwise, they are considered a failure and a disgrace to their family. As following tradition, I set my eyes on becoming a pediatrician. Sooner rather than later, due to my academic success, I was labeled the nerdy Indian kid. They would taunt me about being very smart, not playing any sports, about having bushy eyebrows, and bringing Indian lunches that smelled to school. It became apparent to me that the two cultural societies I was a part of (American and Indian) did not clash well, and I had to begin to make some changes within myself. Not knowing how to develop two facets of myself, I began to assimilate into the American culture. By bringing American lunches and altering my appearance, I began to fit in at school, but slowly, this changed things at home. I refused to go to temples, eat Indian food,
and speak my native tongue at home, thinking that it would solve my social issues. Quite contrary, it did not help my social issues and made me lose touch with my native Indian culture. I was quickly labeled ABCD, or “American Born Confused Desi” by aunties and uncles. This is a problem I believe several Asian-American youth face; finding a balance between their native culture, and modern American culture. As I grew older, I realized finding a balance between my cultures was not as difficult as it once seemed, and it actually helped me become a better person. Growing up as an Asian-American, sometimes it can feel like your life is very restricted and that your parents do not offer you freedom. Many Asian-American youth often compare their lives to the lives of non-Asian American youth and wish their life was as easy and carefree as theirs. I once too, longed to be just a simple American, so I could avoid the stresses I experience today. Nonetheless, I realized that my Asian-American heritage and the way I was brought up assisted in the development of my strong moral instincts, diversified understanding of other cultures, and my resilient work ethic, which makes me proud and honored to be an Asian-American. ◙