Oh, L.S. (1997). A General Discussion of Asian American Youth. S. Hamilton, MA: Center for Youth Studies.

Disturbing trends have been emerging since the 1980s. There is an increase of Asian American gangs; there are now approximately 250 Asian gangs in the states. The number of incarcerated or paroled youth has doubled since 1991. There have also been reports of high rates of depression and mental illness particularly in Asian Pacific girls—attributed to the pain of living in between two cultures.

Each day Asian American teens are faced with stereotypes as they go to school and watch the media. There are few role models for Asians, and they are rarely mentioned in history books at school. Asians depicted in movies and television are either ignorant of English and therefore made to look foolish, good at martial arts, or super nerdy.

Asian Americans are constantly faced with the question of whether they are Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, or American. Constantly, parents of Asian American youth are reminding them of the sacrifices they made in order to give their children a better life. Thus, with guilty feelings, these young people lead double lives. An Asian American youth might dress "hip hop" at school and come home and change into "normal" clothes, speaking to his or her parents in the family’s native tongue. Such chameleon changes may leave the teenager frustrated and misunderstood.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How can Asian American youth constructively vent any frustrations and confusions?
2. How do stereotypes hurt people? How can this be prevented?
3. Who are some positive role models for Asian American teens? Do role models have to be of one’s own ethnicity? Why or why not?
4. Why is it so important for young Asian Americans to find a peer for group identity?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Youth workers are able to be role models for young people. Young people need people who will listen to them and take them seriously—someone who will understand their plight and sympathize with their struggles.
2. Help young people think about stereotyping and how it often hurts people. Racism may be harmful to young people, especially during this sensitive time of growth and identity discovery.
3. Asian American youth should embrace their identity and discover ways to be proud of their heritage. Parents can nurture the young persons’ willingness to know their culture. It can be a bridge between parents and their children.