Lecture Notes: Growing Up Asian American

Introduction

• Speaker: Kanwen
• Main Topics: Personal experiences growing up Asian American, racial identity, cultural assimilation.
• Key Theme: Navigating identity as an Asian American.

Personal Background

• Moved to the United States at age 2.
• Grew up in states with little racial diversity: North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho.
• Struggle with reconciling Chinese heritage with mainstream American culture.

Cultural Identity and Stereotypes

• Felt self-conscious being the only Asian in predominantly white environments.
• Confronted stereotypes:
  • Being good at math attributed to being Asian.
  • Romantic interest perceived as 'yellow fever.'
  • Identity centered around racial difference.
• Lived in "clueless" rather than overtly racist environments:
  • Misguided questions about Asian identity.
  • Misidentification with other Asians.

Conformity and Rejection

• Efforts to distance from Asian stereotypes to fit in:
  • Self-degradation of own race.
  • Pretended to dislike math.
• Result: Increased popularity and confidence but loss of cultural identity.

Realizations and Reflections

• Influence of cultural norms: White as a subconscious norm.
• Example: Created a white character in Sims 3 unconsciously.

Asian American Role in Society

• Recognized as the "model minority."
• Used to deny racism against other minorities.
• Experience of being neither fully accepted nor entirely rejected.
• Pressure to reject heritage for acceptance.

Challenges in Addressing Race Issues

• Cultural pressures to avoid confrontation.
• Fear of being labeled overly sensitive when discussing race.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to reflect on personal biases and racial issues.
• Personal acceptance of being both American and Chinese.
  • Proud of cultural identity.
• Speaker's personal details: Enjoys calculus, dislikes rice, supportive family.

Final Message

• Encourages self-reflection on race and identity.
• Leaves the audience with personal stories rather than prescriptive solutions.

Note: These notes capture the key points of Kanwen's talk about her experiences and reflections on growing up Asian American. The speaker shares a personal journey through cultural identity, societal expectations, and self-acceptance.