What is 'American' Anyway?

Brina Sylve

ASA 2 - A02

May 10, 2015

Week 7

 

Jung Sun Park's work on transnational experiences for Korean and Korean Americans brings to light several keys topics such as globalization, transnational cultural flow, Korean (im)migrant experience, identity and many more. Especially how the young Korean (im)migrant generation in the United States establishes their sense of identity, community and family ties through Korean popular culture such as music, television and film. And how this consumption of ethnic culture then effects culture in Korea with its incorporation of western elements as introduced by Korean Americans. But, for me what was the most interesting was how the article detailed the struggles with identity many Korean (im)migrants experience as they attempt to balance life within the mainstream culture of America and their roots in Korean culture therefore evoking feelings of either being a "conditional American" or not American at all. Which prompts the question:

 

What does it mean to be 'American' anyway?

 

Thanks to globalization and imperialism, America has often sold the image that it is a sort of "melting pot" of different cultures, when usually the imagery is actually white and prosperous. Therefore, this notion that to be "American" is one solid concept is far from the truth. For "American" today wouldn't be so if it wasn't for the masses of Asian migrants that came to this country, whose culture became deeply routed as their blood, sweat and toil seeps into the soil of this country while, at the same time, having roots in your home country. It is a unique experience that every American has undergone at some point and an experience that easily becomes apart of out identity.

 

 

 

Korean American protest during LA Race Riots

"The American dream is only a dream? We want peace"