Sneaky Asians

I just found out that my Thai coworker, whom I have known as Lynne for the past 3 months, actually has totally a different first name. Her "real" first name is something like Pornvamee, which kicks ass since I've never met anyone whose name starts with "porn."

I think it's kind of funny how many East Asians/Asian-Americans I know, myself included, have both an Asian name and an Anglo name to make it easier for everyone else when just about every other ethnic group sticks with their "ethnic" names. Why do we Asian Americans try to blend in so much? Why should a "Chuanshen" be considered less American than a "Jose" or a "Tyrone" or a "Vinny"?

Another interesting phenomenon that I have noticed is the lack of Asian Americans in Asian car commercials!! A friend attributed this to the fact that these car companies are trying to appeal to an American audience. But Asian Americans ARE Americans!! I think the problem is that many if not a majority of people in this country still do not consider us to be Americans. I don't think they are all racists by any means because it seems more to be a subconscious assumption that usually goes unchallenged. Part of the reason such misconceptions exist may be that WE are sometimes not sure if we are more "Asian" or "American": We can speak perfect English, indulge in pop culture, and live in the burbs, but we can't ever forget or give up certain traditional values or beliefs, or, in my case, Chinese food :-) Then again, why should we have to choose between the two? Various other ethnic groups have retained vestiges of their culture and yet are still considered Americans, like the Italians, the Irish, the Jews and the Africans. When will that day come for us?