1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

PRESSURE TO CONFORM

Asian Americans are also under a lot of pressure to conform. While most Americans pride themselves on being rugged individualists, Asian Americans are pressured to conform to the expectations and values of their family and culture as a whole. Opinions are usually formed not on the basis of what an individual thinks or desires, but rather on what has been determined by the group to be appropriate. This pressure to conform generally covers everything from how a person will dress, who he or she will associate with, what he may do for a living, where she will go to school, and often most importantly, who the person will marry.

To compound this problem, though the taste of freedom is all around the Asian American young person, she may feel frustrated that while she can see freedom all around her and almost taste it, it remains beyond her grasp. This can cause dissatisfaction among Asian Americans who see and desire greater freedom yet fail to obtain it for themselves.

Sadly, Asian Americans who fail to live up to the expectations of their family and culture in their ability or desire to perform or conform may feel they have no other option but to commit suicide. Naturally, this does not mean that most Asian Americans you know will commit suicide. It simply means that although Asian Americans may be more likely to excel in a spelling bee, they are also more likely to fail in the most important pursuit of all, life itself.

Perhaps it's time to release some of the pressure heaped on Asian Americans and remind them that the American dream includes the freedom of life, liberty, and yes, even the pursuit of happiness.

Sources:
http://inclu de.nurse.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art icle?AID=/20080324/IL02/103240 006
Personal experience and interviews

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Livermore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about The high suicide rate of Asian Americans?
We want to hear your view. Write now!