Asian and American Culture in an American Society

The United States of America is a ‘melting pot’ of diverse cultures. Though primarily Western in nature, due to the large-scale immigration of variant ethnicities from other countries, as well as differing birth and death rates of natives, settlers and immigrants, the ‘white’ American culture has taken on the hues of a rainbow. Within this society, the Asian-Americans, are often perceived to be at the highest stratum due to high income and good education. These people have almost successfully integrated themselves into society thus resulting in a blurring of lines. This essay would help to demonstrate the similarities between the Asian-Americans and Americans in religion, education and power while also exploring their differences in their mentality, the handling of controversial issues and their social relationships.
Asia is a continent swathed in mystery. It is a land of oriental gods and goddesses where mystic philosophies abound. The purported location of fabled ‘Shangri-la’ is somewhere in the Himalayas. Many Asian monarchies are supposedly of divine descent. It would therefore come as an astounding revelation to many when they realise that the majority of Asian-Americans are similar to Americans in that they profess a monotheistic view in religion. The three biggest monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism began in Asia. Tradition hold that Christianity was brought to India in as early as the first century A.D by Jesus’ disciple, the Apostle Thomas.
Another major similarity within both Asian-American and American culture is the priority given to education. Many Asian-American parents work multiple jobs so that they can finance their children’s education. Many Asian-American students can boast of a four point ...

... middle of paper ...

...ican culture.
All Asians have a hierarchical system in place for every member of their society which affects the form of speech or honorifics adopted when addressing a person. Americans on the other hand are more egalitarian. One of the most famous examples is the use of ‘keigo’ or formal speech in the Japanese language; where the language used when addressing a person of higher status is markedly different when addressing one’s peer. However, the American style of speech is considerably informal and more friendly.
There may be more differences than there are similarities between the Asian-American and the American culture. However the common ground that is found may go a long way in understanding these differences and working through them., so that America may be able to boast a more vibrant culture and can proudly say, ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all.’