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The Success of Asian Americans
Asian-Americans are a minority group in the American society, but have shown a conspicuous level of success that surpasses some whites. Despite being the minority, Asian-Americans have consistently surpassed in terms of income and education among other indicators of success. The difference in the success of Asian-Americans from different dissents can be evaluated by considering the unique factors that may be propelling their performance. The discussion about the Asian-Americans will explore why their success surpasses the whites and the factors behind it. By exploring their cultural values, history of discrimination and family ideals, this discussion seeks to link these factors to their success.
One of the main reasons for the difference in success rates between the white Americans and the Asian-Americans is the cultural values of the two. Asian-Americans have a stronger value for education and learning to better their lives. This is the reason why they perform better in education, and acquire higher grades. The Asian-Americans had the highest educational attainment level than any other racial demographic in the United States (Lee & Zhou, 2015). This success level can be attributed to the love for learning and the formation of the right attitude by their children right from their families. Their reverence for learning is not seen in other racial groups in America, despite having similar opportunities.
As a result of higher education, their income levels are higher. According to the same research, Asian-Americans have higher levels of household income than any other racial group in the United States. In addition, Asian-Americans have a cultural and moral value for handwork (Wu, 2014). They believe that they are more productive when they work the extra mile to achieve what others do not. The Asian-American culture is greatly influenced by the Asian culture that believes in working and achieving through handwork (Ling & Austin, 2014). The success of the moral value towards work by Asians is evident in the results Asian-Americans achieve in education and income. This can also be related to their value for cooperation as the tool for combined achievement and social growth.
The influence of the Confucian values is a key source of the cultural values and work ethics that Asian-Americans have. Confucian values create a society that is motivated, responsible, disciplined and has a sense of commitment to their progress (Lee & Zhou, 2015). The values lead to a cultural strength that are higher than other racial groups, and can be exhibited by the success of the Asians. The success of Asians is not just observed in the United States alone, but also in the Asian economies. The Asian economies of Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong have grown more rapidly with a higher rate than other countries in the world since the Second World War (Ling & Austin, 2014). This shows a similar trend of success as their counterparts, the Asian-Americans in the United States.
In addition, the culture of Asians has strong values for the respect of institutions and authority. The values are evident right from their families to the educational institutions and governments. Asians have a high respect for family as an institution and keep close contact with the progress of their extended family relatives. This creates a sense of expected success for their children as they grow up. As a result, they grow to respect schools and teachers (Lee & Zhou, 2015). In Asia, teachers are among the most respected professions compared to other continents like the United States. This respect also translates into respect for government where Asian-Americans respect state authorities and avoid illegal indulgence. This is part of the value that makes them unique compared to Native American whites.
Moreover, the history of discrimination in the United States also left Asian-Americans feel that they had to succeed in education and business so that they can earn respect (Wu, 2014). This creates a stronger difference between them and the American whites who dominated the minority racial groups since independence. Despite all the differences, there are similarities between Asian-Americans and the white Americans. The similar values include the respect for the law, loyalty to the country and establishment of families. While there are the similarities, the Asian-Americans have stronger cultural values that lead them to achieve higher levels of success (Wu, 2014). As a result, their success in education and in their careers is unique as it relates to the success of the Asian nations who share the same cultural values.
References
Lee, J., & Zhou, M. (2015). The Asian American Achievement Paradox. New York: Russell Sage Foundation
Ling, H., & Austin, A. (2014). Asian American History and Culture: An Encyclopedia. London: Routledge
Wu, E.D. (2014). The Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority. Princeton: Princeton University Press