In the recently released film “Brother,” we meet Chris, a Chinese-American teenager who, despite being born and raised in California, grapples with an underlying insecurity about his identity and appearance due to the subtle discrimination he faces from his peers. In an attempt to fit in, he even tells new friends that he is “mixed race,” while also feeling a sense of resistance towards his mother, who holds onto traditional Asian values.
Chris represents the struggle of second-generation Chinese immigrants navigating the complexities of cultural and identity dualities. While many like him are perceived as “foreigners” because of their appearance, they often experience a rift with their immigrant parents who are rooted in their cultural heritage, especially after adapting to American society. In a post-pandemic world where anti-Asian sentiments remain high, Chinese-Americans, having grown up in mainstream contexts, may find themselves feeling lost, confused, and torn regarding their identity and the racial discrimination they encounter.
According to a report from the Pew Research Center, one in five Asian Americans has at some point tried to hide aspects of their ancestral cultural traditions, such as food, customs, clothing, or religious practices, out of fear of ridicule and a desire to fit in with mainstream society. In a culture where their ancestral heritage is marginalized, Chinese-Americans may feel ashamed to speak Chinese or face mockery for eating Chinese food.
America, fundamentally a nation of immigrants, is a melting pot of diverse cultures. With the rise of Spanish-language songs topping the charts and K-Pop gaining massive popularity, Asian Americans should take pride in their heritage rather than diminish it, distancing themselves from their Chinese identity. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which discriminated against Chinese laborers for their “machine-like” work ethic, serves as a historical reminder that discrimination often arises from mainstream society’s self-serving narratives aimed at preserving their own interests.
Today, Chinese Americans make up about 10% of New York’s population, with many contributing significantly in cutting-edge fields. Chinese individuals should embrace their identity with pride, recognizing that they are vital pillars of society rather than succumbing to self-hate.
