Asian Culture in America

Kevin Matsui

11/1/15

Wk 7 Blog

          Jung-Sun Park’s article, “Korean American Youth and Transnational Flows of Popular Culture across the Pacific, bounces around many different topics, but one section that I found interesting and relatable was the part talking about how “South Korean popular culture connects Korean American youths of different backgrounds” and how it “elicits a sense of camaraderie.” As a fourth generational Asian American, growing up and fitting in was never a problem since I pretty much considered myself American. But for many first generational immigrants, I can see how connecting with other people with the same cultural interests they grew up with can be appealing. With so much Asian influence seen in America pop culture now (Korean drams, Kpop, Asian food), it is easy for immigrants to feel at home. This popularity of Asian pop culture in America can be seen as beneficial, as it diversifies American culture while helping break the uncool stereotype that associates with Asian culture. However at the same time it can also prevent Asian immigrants living in America from stepping out of their comfort zone and taking in some American culture as well. How can we keep Asian pop culture popularity from creating a barrier between immigrants and the rest of Americans?