What are the experiences of Asian American Children growing up in America?

Some Asian American children are being teased because they are Asian that have special facial features. They may joke about them being Asian with name calling.  They are teased about the cultural foods that their parents packed for their lunch.  When they share with their parents about the teasing at school, sometimes because of a language barrier the parents cannot stand up for their own children and just tell the children to “suck it up”.  When they experience physical bullying in school, these parents must get a relative or a friend who can speak English that can attend meetings with the principal.

It is difficult for children growing up with first generation Asian parents. They struggle between two cultures. Living the Asian culture at home and the American culture in the society. At times, each culture may have conflicting beliefs and values.  These children want to please and obey to their parents and yet they also want to be accepted by their peers and the society. It is because the Asian Americans are not very vocal in speaking up that society doesn’t realize these struggles exist.

America is viewed as a rich country with opportunity.  Not everything in America is perfect but there are dark sides that outsiders could not see until they become an insider.  This land of opportunity also comes with many struggles and overcoming obstacles along the way.