| Prejudice exists on many different levels and in every | | | | Northern states (also known as Yankees). |
| single culture to some degree. This prejudice seems | | | | As the election year approaches in America, there is |
| particularly prevalent within the borders of the United | | | | much talk because for the first time in United States |
| States, especially when it comes to immigrants or | | | | history both a woman and an African American stand |
| "non Americans." Asians are feeling this racial | | | | a very good chance at being elected into the |
| prejudice very strongly, particularly when celebrities | | | | presidency. Presidential elections have been held in |
| on the television, such as Rosie O'Donnell, make | | | | America for more than three hundred years and this |
| jokes and slurs against Asians on national TV as she | | | | is just now coming about. Is America truly as |
| recently did on her show, "The View." This can only | | | | advanced as much of the world believes? Were an |
| add fuel to an already raging fire. | | | | Asian American to run for office, even for a local |
| The particular referenced slur was in regards to the | | | | government such as city council or mayor, would |
| "Ching, Chong" that Ms. O'Donnell spouted on her | | | | they be elected? Would one particular geographical |
| show. Unfortunately, this type of intolerance is | | | | region be more inclined to elect an Asian American |
| common. Asians often have a more difficult time | | | | while other geographical regions would not? |
| learning to express themselves appropriately through | | | | Historically we have seen racial prejudices among |
| the English language. Many American movies capitalize | | | | Asians of different countries. This is really no |
| on this and turn it into humor at the expense of the | | | | different from any other race on earth, but for some |
| Asian race. Though many famous Asians have a | | | | reason this stands as an international fascination. At |
| strong command in the American movie market, | | | | some point or other the Japanese seem to have |
| there are still often jokes made because these | | | | alienated just about all other Asian races. There is |
| Asians struggle so with the most difficult language in | | | | evidence that many Asian races feel prejudiced from |
| the world to master. | | | | other Asian races. One of the most striking |
| The "Oriental" look may also be a contributing factor | | | | prejudices, however, is that Asians who are non |
| to the apparent prejudice that seems to embody | | | | American and residing outside of the United States |
| some areas of the United States in particular. | | | | and are prejudiced against the Asian Americans who |
| Although the "Oriental" look is considered great | | | | live within the United States' borders. The Asian |
| beauty by many, it can also lead to a type of | | | | Americans seem, at times, to be considered sell-outs, |
| profiling because immediately it is apparent that the | | | | especially as their children strive to become more |
| person is "not American." It is this attitude of looking | | | | Americanized. |
| so different that many Asian youth are making | | | | When we look at the events at Virginia Tech on April |
| attempts to "fit in" with their American neighbors. | | | | 16, 2007, we must question what role, if any, did |
| They are dying their hair brown, red and even blond | | | | racial prejudice play in Seung Hui Cho's criminal |
| while wearing blue or green contacts. While they may | | | | actions? He claimed in his letters and writings to have |
| be taking somewhat successful steps in "fitting in," | | | | been taunted and teased by his peers. Was this due |
| they are turning away from a rich, beautiful heritage | | | | to his ethnicity? Could negative stereotypes of |
| of which they should be proud. | | | | Asians have influenced how Cho was treated by his |
| It appears that many Asian young people are moving | | | | peers, or could it have been a factor in why he was |
| away from the quiet honor that their parents and | | | | so reserved and withdrawn. Sometimes, even |
| grandparents once held in such high regard. They are | | | | perceived prejudice can play a very large part in how |
| "pimping out" their 4-cylinder Hondas and Toyotas, | | | | a person acts in social situations. With such negative |
| adding engines with lots of horsepower and neon | | | | stereotypes on the television, movie screen and in |
| lights on the frame in an attempt to "Americanize" | | | | the American media, could this have instilled in Cho a |
| themselves and appear more American, perhaps in an | | | | feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, a feeling |
| attempt to really fit in. They are adapting urban | | | | that despite his best efforts he would never fit in? |
| phrases and talk about "chillin' in the ghetto" or | | | | Combine that with the widely accepted violent |
| "reppin' the hood." These phrases are barely | | | | attitudes that seem to permeate American culture |
| acceptable by the majority of Caucasian Americans, | | | | today and you have a true disaster brewing. |
| but when the prejudiced feel alienated, they take | | | | Would Cho have benefited more from being treated |
| extreme actions in an attempt to blend in, to fit in. | | | | by doctors who better understood his heritage? |
| In certain areas of America, Caucasian-Americans | | | | Even if he had turned away somewhat from his |
| view Asians as a threat to their jobs. There is a | | | | Asian heritage, his photos show some mild attempts |
| general consensus that Asian workers work harder | | | | of his to appear more American, would an Asian |
| for less money. Whether that is true or not is | | | | counselor and doctor have been better able to reach |
| irrelevant. What is important is that the obvious | | | | him and perhaps prevent the tragedy? |
| prejudice that is often felt in many areas. The | | | | Prejudice and alienation are extremely painful and |
| Southern States in America, typically referred to as | | | | lonely. When you are perceived as "different" you |
| the "Bible Belt," is well known for its prejudicial | | | | are laughed at, gawked at and left out. Different is |
| references to many groups, including African | | | | not always a positive asset in American society. |
| Americans, Asians and even Americans from the | | | | |