HongKongChick wrote:and i wanna ask u a question. what do you think about the American born asians and Asia born asians? any differences? surely they are different, but do their attitudes toward interracial dating differ? or they are pretty much the same?
the reason i asked is that i do see differences, because they grew up in different cultures and traditions, take me for example, i am americanized, but i didnt grow up here, so i am different than a typical American born Asian girl in regards to dating. what do u think?
I have a penchant for categorizing asians into two categories: ABA's (American-born, second generation Asians) and FOB's (Fresh-off-the-boat, recently-emigrated asians) of which I consider myself a member of the latter. It's delusive to think I can dilute either group into a certain set of "characteristics" but, generally speaking, ABA's are considerably more mindful about their own appeal to others whereas FOB's seem more resolute on success (where it be financial or social) and less attuned to humanitarian values. Again, this varies from ethnicity to ethnicity, but this is my observation regarding Cambodian-Americans.
Likewise, it seems a large percentage of FOB's, though they maybe proficient in other areas such as Math and the Sciences, seem lacking in the other areas such as English, Humanities and the arts. Though Math and Science are essential tools for building a career, it seems one of the most overlooked skills in the Asian household is literacy, either in English or the native tongue which in itself creates a barrier, if not culture clash, between Americanized Asian children and their Old World Asian parents. I've come to the conclusion that aptitude in both English and the vernacular are pivotal in one's self-awareness and alignment within a community and social consciousness as a whole. I feel this is a bigger issue with FOB's than it is ABA's.
On the flipside, I think FOB's are more culturally conscious when it comes to their own heritage. In the process of assimilation and Americanization, ABA's tend to be less prudent in regards to tradiation and proper etiquette. I personally know a few ABA's who call their parents by their first name. Such a practice would be considered blasphemy in my household where youngsters are taught at a young age to always bow to elders and crouch when walking by adults. Heck even making eye contact with an elder is considered a desecration of the highest order.
In regards to interracial relationships, I think ABA's are much more open to dating people of a different race. Because many FOB's aren't as culturally-conscious, hence open-minded, as ABA's they still wrestle with their own xenophobia. To put it bluntly, I don't care what color a woman is as long as we're compatible. If she's a social/political activist, has a soft spot for Spaghetti Westerns, respects video games and animation as an artform, admires German Expressionism, then I'm head over heels for her regardless is she's red, blue or green.
I also don't understand the infatuation with white girls just because they're white, I've rambled endlessly about how ridiculous that is above so...yeah...that's all I have to say.