Asian Cultures, in General, Are More Steeped

Asian cultures, in general, are more steeped in tradition than American culture. Even though the word "American" refers broadly to all persons of various ethnic backgrounds who live in the United States, there are some general but significant differences between Asian and American culture. A lot of these differences are sociological, like the role of family. I find it interesting how different family values are in America from my native Korea. Korean culture is also more unified than American culture, because there is less diversity there.

For the most part, Korean families are tightly knit and parents tend to be quite strict. Many American families are also arranged this way, but it seems that most American families I know are more disjointed and children are not disciplined as much as in Korea. Even though I now live in America, my role within my family has not changed; I am still my parents' child. I retain a Korean set of family values and therefore my native culture continues to dominate my sense of self.

In most Asian countries, tradition and modernization coexist. I am caught between two cultures in the same way my native Korea is caught between the old ways and the new. Just as traditions endure in Korea, traditional Korean customs continue to influence me. I think of myself as being first Korean and then an American because my identity was formed at a young age. I was raised by a traditional Korean family and was close with my grandparents.

Even after exposure to and assimilation in American culture, I still feel predominantly Korean. My role in peer groups is the same: I feel Korean whether I am with Asian, Caucasian, or mixed crowds. Perhaps if I were born in the United States I would perceive myself differently. I know many Asian-Americans who feel primarily American. They simply happened to be born into an Asian family, but were not raised with much tradition or customs. Language also plays a significant role in my self-identity.

My first language is Korean, and that has a significant impact on my roles and sense of self. Even as my English improves, I still believe that I will always feel Korean first. Because I am close with many of my family members, I am constantly reminded of my heritage and family background. Most of my relatives do not want to neglect our customs. We celebrate Korean festivals and holidays and have big family dinners.

These serve as frequent reminders of my nationality because when our family gets together we could easily be back in Korea. The conversations we have and the foods we eat reinforce this feeling of solidarity within the Korean community. Also, our family attends community functions that help us bond with other Korean and pan-Asian families and this reminds us of our common bonds. However, I do live in America and there are many dominant and influential aspects of American culture.

I do find myself becoming gradually "Americanised" while I live here. American values and beliefs are portrayed through the media, which is hard to escape. Some of these American values have transformed my identity and my sense of self. I am changing my views about family, for instance. While I believe I will always take care of my parents and do value family, I don't think I will exert as much control over my children as my parents did.

I think there needs to be a balance between too much control and too little. Many American parents seem to be laissez faire towards their children, but many Korean parents tend to be overbearing. Korean families often persuade their children to marry certain people because of social status or family ties. Of course, this also happens in America, but for the most part Americans marry more for love.

I can see the value of both ways, and believe that I can combine Asian traditions with American ones in my role as a parent. My background does not have as much influence on my friendships, although it does change the way other people see me. Because my mannerisms and temperament are influenced by my heritage, many of my American-born friends find me to be different. However, my role as a loyal friend has not changed. I enjoy socializing and going out, and have easily adapted to American social values.

The younger generation of Koreans tend to be more "Westernized," anyway, so in this regard my background is not.