For the two of you who read this blog... and live under a rock, there's an ABC (American Born Chinese guy) rocking the NBA by the name of Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks. He's led his team to six straight wins beating NBA royalty along the way, putting the Knicks back in contention.
In a nutshell, what's amazing about Jeremy is the expectations of a guy who is:
For me... I'm trying to avoid liking Jeremy Lin just because we share the same race and culture, you know... like black people who voted for Barack Obama just because Obama's black. That connection is superficial.
But it's hard because there's a secret only ABCs know.
Growing up in America, you're culturally American. You speak English without an accent. You sit through the same classes. You try to fit in like everybody else. But if you think a white girl is going to say "yes" to going to the prom with you, think again... you're not one of them.
Visiting Asia, you're not seen as Asian, either. You're a foreigner...a waiguoren... who happens to speak the language... Your funny American accent gives you away. There's a sense of entitlement and confidence that you have that self-effacing Asians don't.
According to Americans, Asian-Americans are Asians.
According to Asians, Asian-Americans are American.
No one has ever wanted a piece of this action... until now.
Thanks, Jeremy Lin.
p.s. - If you were running for President, I'd still vote Ron Paul.
In a nutshell, what's amazing about Jeremy is the expectations of a guy who is:
- Harvard grad... not many of these make it to the NBA.
- Undrafted... not many saw much in him
- Cut by Golden State and Houston... rejected
- Chinese... err, Taiwanese... whatever, Asian-American.
For me... I'm trying to avoid liking Jeremy Lin just because we share the same race and culture, you know... like black people who voted for Barack Obama just because Obama's black. That connection is superficial.
But it's hard because there's a secret only ABCs know.
Asian-Americans are neither Asians nor Americans.Let me explain.
Growing up in America, you're culturally American. You speak English without an accent. You sit through the same classes. You try to fit in like everybody else. But if you think a white girl is going to say "yes" to going to the prom with you, think again... you're not one of them.
Visiting Asia, you're not seen as Asian, either. You're a foreigner...a waiguoren... who happens to speak the language... Your funny American accent gives you away. There's a sense of entitlement and confidence that you have that self-effacing Asians don't.
According to Americans, Asian-Americans are Asians.
According to Asians, Asian-Americans are American.
No one has ever wanted a piece of this action... until now.
Thanks, Jeremy Lin.
p.s. - If you were running for President, I'd still vote Ron Paul.
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