We ask Sydney: Are you Asian Australian? (Late Gen Y)

Following from We ask Sydney: Are you Asian Australian? (Gen Z), I continue my survey of Asian Australians, this time with my peers from Gen Y (those born ~ 1982-1993)^ on their experiences living biculturally, and what is means to identify as an Asian Australian.

Generation Y

What we find is the responses from Gen Y Asian Australians are much more varied and polarised than those from Gen Z (born ~ 1994-2012).

There are also variations between early Gen Y (born ~ 1982-1987) and late Gen Y (~ 1988-1993)* – the trend appears to be that responses from older individuals (especially when considering Gen X respondents) are more consistent with an assimilationist identity and show less identification with their ethnic backgrounds.

^ If not indicated, all respondents are Australian-born.
* I’ve arbitrarily divided Gen Y evenly into ‘early’ and ‘late’ by halving the 12-year birth range (~ 1982-1993).

Dual-identity

On the one hand, most show positive dual-identification and biculturalism (an integration of both Asian and Australian identities), embrace and have pride for their Asian identity.

Various studies have shown that positive ethnic identification is strongly correlated with greater psychological well-being, academic achievement, self-esteem, reduced rates of depression, reduced identity and cultural conflict, and the increased ability to cope with racism and discrimination.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

An integrative acculturation style and identity has been found to be the most adaptive style for ethnic minorities (e.g. Asian Australians) in host societies (e.g. Australia), as it involves a positive orientation towards one’s own ethnic group as well as to other groups.^[7]

Half-identity

On the other hand, some respondents adopt a more assimilationist identity and acculturation style, showing more heritage denial and suppression.

Psychologists have proposed that an unexamined, ignored or low ethnic identity may leave people vulnerable to automatically internalising stereotypes of their ethnic group, which may undermine their academic performance as well as negatively affecting their psychological well-being.^[8][9][10]

Lacking role models

What is interesting to note is that Asian Australians from Gen Y and the generations before them have had little exposure to Asians and especially diasporic Asians (particularly in Western countries) in mainstream representational media (until fairly recently) compared to younger generations.

Gen Y vs Gen Z

With the internet boom and increase of Gen X and Y Asians in popular media and as role models (e.g. Youtube personalities and AA bloggers) for younger generations, the Asian identity formation for Gen Z has been relatively smoother than that for Gen Y Asian Australians, most of whom were quite mature by the time the internet was commercially introduced.

Late Gen Y (~1988-1993)

What do you identify as when you’re asked ‘What are you?’

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

I think that somewhat depends on where I am. If I am in Sydney, probably ‘Chinese’, because that’s what I think people are really asking. If I am outside of Australia then I’d answer ‘Australian’. I am comfortable with either answer and quite proud of both.

Caroline Tu 19 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW student)

In Australia – Vietnamese. When I’m overseas – Australian.

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

I generally say ‘my parents are from Vietnam,’ as I don’t think that I can call myself completely Vietnamese.

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

Mum’s Thai, Dad’s Scott-Australian. Simply saying ‘I’m Australian’  will always provoke an incredulous, ‘No, really, what ARE you?’ If I was white or completely Asian that would be a satisfactory answer, but since I don’t look white/comfortably Asian, it isn’t.

Emma Huynh 19 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Cabramatta, retailer)

Australian born Chinese… I look Chinese, and both parents identify more closely to the Chinese culture, mostly because my grandparents had more of a cultural influence over the family… It [also] depends who I’m talking to – if they’re Chinese I say I’m Chinese, if they’re Vietnamese, I say I’m Vietnamese, if they’re Australian, I say I’m Australian. Anything to make them think I’m more like them.

Shirley Liu 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 3, Hurstville, USyd B Arts (Sociology)/B Social Work student)

I identify myself as Chinese-Australian.

What does it mean to be Asian Australian?

Caroline Tu 19 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW student)

Having the best of both worlds.

Shirley Liu 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 3, Hurstville, USyd B Arts (Sociology)/B Social Work student)

To me, it means acknowledging [your] own cultural background, its traditions and customs, but also adopting the language and lifestyles suited for Australia.

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

I think it means having the best of both worlds. Being able to understand the more ‘traditional’ Asian views, but at the same time having a modern or Western perspective.

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

It means a person with mixed backgrounds and cultures. The benefit is that they are able to personally experience both and maybe even able to ‘pick’ their favourite and live that way… The bad side is possibly when you want to belong to a particular type, because you may not fit perfectly into the mould of either.

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

To be Asian Australian is to be a mixture of cultures. It is carrying on values and ways of life in a different country to that of our parents. It means being immensely proud of your parents,… your heritage, your history, your parents’ language and bringing those things into the future, living your life that way.

Steven Trinh 22 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Condell Park currently in Edinburgh, Airborne Electronics Analyst trainee)

I really don’t look into it that much.

Is being Asian Australian different from being ‘Australian’?

Shirley Liu 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 3, Hurstville, USyd B Arts (Sociology)/B Social Work student)

Ideally, I don’t think it should be, because I like to think that we’re all the same. But in reality, I do think there is a difference.

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

Definitely…. when I was [younger, I would] only see Asian people around where I live[d]… I would sometimes believe that the flaws in these people [were] because of their cultural background. At one point in high school I also used to try and be more ‘white’ or Western… However, since I’ve started work, I… relate to people who are Asian Australian more so than my work colleagues (who are 90% Caucasian)… I find that I can talk [to] Asians on a much deeper level. Maybe it’s because I know that they understand where I’m coming from. ‘Australians’ definitely interact differently.

Emma Huynh 19 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Cabramatta, retailer)

Yes, in the sense of your external identity, how others perceive and treat you both Asian and Australia[n], for others it may be confusing because you’re not exclusively Asian nor are you Australian. Internally it is marrying the cultural differences.

Steven Trinh 22 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Condell Park currently in Edinburgh, Airborne Electronics Analyst trainee)

Yes I have an Asian background, I’ve been in the Air Force for nearly 4 years, I’ve travelled and lived all around Australia and based on my life experience I can proudly say ‘NO’.

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

Yes, I think it is. The word ‘Australian’ masks a lot of things in itself. I remember our teachers in high school trying to convince us that the word was a wonderful umbrella term for everyone living here regardless of race, ethnicity or looks when, practically, it is just not the case. The term ‘Aussie’ is used to describe someone who looks like my father not someone who looks like my mother or myself.

To identify yourself as an Asian Australian is a conscious, positive affirmation of heritage and culture as well as an acknowledgement and appreciation of the place that is your home. Nothing blooms or prospers in a vacuum. Australian culture can do little but benefit from Asian culture. Isn’t the saying ‘two heads are better than one’? As a mixed-race person, I can’t see why the same doesn’t apply to culture.

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

Yes, because being an Asian Australian means you are also Asian. You’re bound to be affected by the Asian culture and values of your Asian parents, unless your family is totally whitewashed. You may speak an extra language, which is always handy, and show more interest in your own cultural heritage (e.g. the millennia of Chinese history) than others.

What are your experiences living as an Asian person in Australia?

Emma Huynh 19 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Cabramatta, retailer)

I did have an experience in Adelaide: 2 white people were riding up and down the main road, they yelled out ‘go back to your country!’ totally oblivious that they were white. At university I did feel marginalised because of the way I looked. It wasn’t just racism but also sexism.

Shirley Liu 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 3, Hurstville, USyd B Arts (Sociology)/B Social Work student)

Generally, I have very positive reception as a Chinese migrant in Australia. Most of the people I meet, perhaps due to my social work degree and multicultural friends, I feel accepted as a person in the wider Australian community.

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

I was sitting on a bench with a bowl of takeaway laksa and a large middle-aged Caucasian man sitting next to me got up to stand next to his similarly sized wife – not more than two metres in front of me and started sneering at me, saying very loudly how ‘that girl came and sat next to me… it [the laksa] stinks.’ I marched up to him and told him that he was very rude, he told me I was a mongrel (never say this to a mixed-race person) so I told him to go back to England, you convict bastard.

Tony Tran 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Padstow, Accounting and Marketing student).

[I remember] being teased in primary [school] for having ‘ching chong’ eyes and speaking ‘ching chong’.

Steven Trinh 22 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Condell Park currently in Edinburgh, Airborne Electronics Analyst trainee)

First off, I do not live with the perception that I’m an Asian person living in Australia… Sounds like an international student. Australia is a widely diverse multicultural country… so in regards to my cultural background being an issue in the country I was born in… I have none.

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

I noticed when I started work… that Caucasian Australians seem to have more opportunities: 

If you compared the number of Asian Australians in the leading universities studying commerce, and the number of Asian Australians who have a graduate job with the top accounting firms, there seems to be a lot of Asians missing from the workforce. When I was studying at uni, I would say 90% of the lectures were Asian Australians. However, I would say that at work it would be the opposite.

Secondly, out of all the graduates at work, I notice that all of the Asian Australians have very high credentials e.g. Commerce-Law students from UNSW/USYD, or Commerce at UNSW with distinction averages. However, most of the Caucasian people at work seem to not have as impressive academic standards. For example, one of my colleagues graduated from UTS having failed a number of accounting subjects. The other doesn’t have a business degree, but an education one.

Caroline Tu 19 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW student)

Back in primary school I was fortunate enough to be in a school where they embraced diversity, on the other hand, high school was a different story where popularity was determined by race (the poor Asians were at the bottom of the food chain, just because we were ‘smart and had no social life’) assumptions that uneducated people made – I again was fortunate enough not to be part of that since I had no ‘accent’ and was considered ‘normal’ because I ate sandwiches.

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

I think I have been exposed to a good mix of Western and Eastern cultures… There are times when I find my parents too traditional… and there are times when I find being an Asian is great (e.g. Chinese food and being more family-oriented).

Is being Asian Australian different to being Asian American, Canadian etc.? Do we share anything in common?

Caroline Tu 19 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW student)

I think that we’d have more similiarties than differences.

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

I think there is a definite difference. There is simply a longer, stronger migrant history in places like Canada and America. That’s not to say that Australia doesn’t have one but it isn’t nearly as celebrated as it is in the US. People like Billy Sing are almost completely forgotten as well as the Chinese goldminers… There are 1.7 million Asian Australians… compared to nearly 11 million Asian Americans… these numbers have more than a little something to do with the way lots of my fellow Asian Australians try to simply ‘blend in’ instead of being proud of their culture.

We live in a country where it was permissible [in 1996] for a nasal, red-haired woman to become a proper politician and in her maiden speech proclaim that Australia was ‘being swamped by Asians’ and that we ‘form ghettos and do not assimilate’… In America there were activists who campaigned for the term Asian American… so people would stop using the term ‘Oriental’ (now, if only people would stop saying ‘half-caste’ I would be really happy)… It’s that kind of solidarity and pride (which doesn’t have to be exclusive) that I find isn’t as common here as in overseas.

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

I believe it would be similar, but not the same, because America itself has a different culture to Australia, so there would definitely be some differences.

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

Since every country is different, being Asian in different countries would definitely vary. The similarities are probably the facts that we all have two or more racial backgrounds and we sometimes face the ‘double identities’ issue.

Tony Tran 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Padstow, Accounting and Marketing student)

I think it’s essentially the same. There is no difference in being an Asian born in America, Canada or Australia. [We are] Still… Asian… born in a foreign multicultural society where there [are] diverse nationalities… cultures [and] values.

Is being Asian Australian different from being
Asian growing up in Asia?

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

[For Asian Australians] there is the juggling act of keeping two cultures balanced and happy in one’s life: your parents’ culture and mainstream Australian culture. I believe the experience is beneficial, a bit like being bilingual, you become more versatile.

Shirley Liu 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 3, Hurstville, USyd B Arts (Sociology)/B Social Work student)

IMMENSELY different. Your attitudes, the way you see the world, your opinions, your choice of actions, and your priorities are incredibly different… For example, ‘hugging’ for them can be quite inappropriate, but to me… it’s a way of greeting friends or relatives… There are often misunderstandings between us, despite sharing the same language in communication.

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

Very different… the culture[s] [are] different. I’ve noticed that I can’t relate as well to international students at uni compared to Asian Australians. Secondly, my Vietnamese would be nowhere near as fluent as someone who is actually Vietnamese.

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

Asians… in an Asian country possibly feel that they belong to the Asian race more… [and] probably immerse themselves more fully into the Asian culture. We are raised and educated differently, we live in a different society and meet different sorts of people.

Our perspectives of the world may be different, especially given how censored the internet is in China… The political system is completely different (e.g. no democracy)… I quite appreciate the fact that Asians are more family-oriented and maintain [their] traditional festivals and practices, because these unique activities identify who we are as a race, and embody our long and interesting history.

Caroline Tu 19 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW student)

Hardly any difference if they were born overseas and were then raised in Australia at a very young age. Whereas those that travel over at an older age may find it difficult to adapt and feel accepted by the ‘Australian’ community, due… mostly [to] the language barrier and the way the[y] present themselves.

Tony Tran 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Padstow, Accounting and Marketing student)

I think our mindset is very different – the way we act, behave and handle certain situations.

Do you feel like you share anything similar to
Asians living in Asia?

Caroline Tu 19 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW student)

I personally think that I share a strong connection towards those living in Asia, mainly because I’ve been brought up in a traditional upbringing.

Steven Trinh 22 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Condell Park currently in Edinburgh, Airborne Electronics Analyst trainee)

As long as they enjoy good beer and a good old chat then we’re mates for life!

Emma Huynh 19 (Chinese-Vietnamese Australian, Cabramatta, retailer)

I feel like we do take the good aspects of both cultures and disgard the bad. I see that the Vietnamese are frugal and seem to recycle or find a use for everything, I hope to be like that too. There [are] a lot of things that both cultures could learn from each other, the example I’ve given above I feel would help us have a more sustainable existence on earth.

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

I believe that there is definitely a ‘white superiority’ complex with Asians in general. E.g. in Asian countries they would use Western models and try to make their eyes… bigger, but in Australia I have yet to see an Asian Australian truly represented in the mass media.

Shirley Liu 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 3, Hurstville, USyd B Arts (Sociology)/B Social Work student)

Yes, there are some similarities… Sometimes we have similar tastes in food, music and movies. I listen to a lot of Chinese/Hong Kong music so I do feel some commonalities, and also because I am fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin – another commonality is language.

Tony Tran 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Padstow, Accounting and Marketing student)

If I am in a room filled with ‘Westerners’ and there was one Asian person in there, I’d feel more comfortable being around that one person no matter which Asian background. However, if I’m in a room filled with Asians from all nationalities, I’d feel more comfortable being around a Vietnamese person.

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

I think, and you can imagine, that kids living in Asia have less of an identity crisis, not having to worry about two or more sets of values. There is a lot of confidence to be had when all your classmates look like you and you aren’t the odd tan one out. Then again, I like being special so I didn’t mind it too much. At times I feel I am more Asian than the kids I have met overseas. It’s almost as if my mother had passed on to me a frozen-in-time version of Asianness and my relatives have been raising my cousins in what they think is a trendy new Western style. Sort of like keeping up with the Jones’…?

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

I’m personally more Asian than Australian, so naturally I would share more commonalities in terms of the way I think and behave with Asians who grew up in Asia. I enjoy Asian music and dramas… [but] since I’m educated in Australia, I feel like I am more aware of the rest of the world than my fellow peers in China… and my view of China is different to them.

Any messages you want to share?

Priscilla 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW B Commerce graduate, working at one of the big four accounting firms)

I’ve learnt to always be proud of your heritage. Be proud of being Asian as much as you are proud to be Australian. Be grateful that you have an insight into both worlds – it helps you to see the world from so many different angles.

Cassandra Maclachlan 21 (Eurasian Australian mixed Thai-Chinese and Scottish, Bankstown, MqU B Arts/B Laws student and DJ)

It’s fucking awesome to be Asian. Live it, love it, be proud of it. There’s nothing more pitiful than a person who hates themselves.

Caroline Tu 19 (Vietnamese Australian, Bankstown, UNSW student)

EDUCATE YOURSELVES! Not just with Asian culture[s] but other cultures as well, you’d be surprised [at] how alike we all are as we ultimately do share the same values.

Anna Chen 21 (Chinese Australian born in China and came to Australia at age 11, Hurstville, UNSW B Commerce/B Laws student)

Despite some bad stories about Asians, I think we should generally not lose faith in our own origin. I think we should embrace our own culture (at least try to) and feel special because instead of just one background or ethnicity, we have double the fun =D

Tony Tran 21 (Vietnamese Australian, Padstow, Accounting and Marketing student)

Just be yourself.

Are you Asian Australian? Leave a comment below, and share your experiences and views on what it means to be Asian Australian.

Next up…

How do the Gen Y elders compare? We ask Sydney: Are you Asian Australian? (Early Gen Y).

References

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