So i've been wondering: If I am born in America, but my parents are korean, what do i identify myself as?

As a asian minority in America, it's common to be asked, "so, what are you?" I understand this person is inquiring about my ethnicity (korean), and as such i regularily identify myself as being korean. However, now that I'm in Korea i need to let people know I am an American (namely because my korean language skills are poor -_-"). But I look korean? I don't know....any thoughts?

oh also i have a tangent question: whenever i'm at a pc 팡 and i tell people that i am an american in games or on battlenet...how come they always call me a "fucking yankee." i know that the british used the term yankee as a derrogatory term to refer to the rebels in new england in the late 18th century during the american revolution (among other things)...but how that translates to why koreans would call americans yankees? and why there is such animosity? is it just that fact that americans aren't koreans?

I lied-- i have a third question. In korea, the whole issue of homosexuality seems taboo (at least that's my impression i've gotton from my stay thus far). I don't know what it is; maybe growing up in one of the most liberal cities in America, and attending a relatively liberal college has exposed to a lot of homosexuals and just desenseitized the issue. maybe it's own homosexual preferences. whatever the case, for me the issue is just like whatever. can anyone explain the reason for this disparity? I know there are homosexuals in korea (a lot of older men kind of feel up on me in the 짐 질 방 it's a little creepy), so how come i can't seem to find any? am i just looking in the wrong places?

Hey, I read your questions. I am Korean guy and I would tell you as much as I can.

I think you should introduce yourself to korean people as an american. It's natual and very good act to try to find your real identity, but almost Korean people think negatively to those who can not speak Korean language well even though they said insisted they are Korean. (It can be related to your second question.) It's your choice but you should know that; you should learn Korean language to get along with Korean guys with Korean identity yourself.

As you studied in history class or somewhere else, Korea had a miserable history. Korean people could not do anything when Japan and other countries were fighting in Korean territory. With this reason, Korean society went kind of conservative. In that time, Korean education system was poor, so almost people did not know how to express their antipathy to american army which governed South Korea at that time. Yankee was good word for them to use and to show their antipathy. It was a long time ago, but still the older people are using that word, Yankee. I think Korean guys you met on online who used that word might learn it from their parents or grandparents.

I just wanna ask you if you are planning to live in Korea or USA? I think the last answer is up to your decision.

mmm i think being urself better.
which one ur more comfortable with...?is an american or korean..?whichever u're still same.u are asian.rite?
lol

I see something missing from chad's reply and I'll try my best to fill it in as much as possible. I'm ethnically and legally Korean with some year of living experience in Canada, but I spent most of life in Korea. I think, personally, if you're in Korea right now, ethnically Korean but if not able to speak Korean, the best thing you can do is say "I can't speak Korean," and so far, although I've said so to avoid questionnaires and christian fanatics, it was the best. If you say that you're American, based on my experience, people might even think as if you're a traitor of nation or something. We DO, sadly, have huge number of people with some sort of hoitytoity proud that Korea is the country of one solid Korean nation.

And about the yankee thing, I don't know when it started, but the term "yankee" is almost 100% derogative here especially if used by people of starcraft or any other online games. It's like, when you say the word "yankee," I think at least most people of my age would immediately think of big blond and blue eyed caucasian guy who's Republican in head, and willing to crush some innocent kids with tank, ever since that tank accident several years ago.

I'm yet sort of bi-curious kinda stage, so I would not be able to speak this at the viewpoint of being a "came-out" person, but at least I can speak at the side of "ordinary Korean," and I'll try my best to answer it. Basically, I do see many homophobes and anti-homosexual sentiments a lot, but that does not necessarily mean that there are no man-to-man thing, like the creepy old men thing you said. It's like, they think its ok because they just don't think there are homosexuals; even some oral and some group masturbation is ok when you're a kid, because nobody seriously thinks that there are this 'mystical creatures' called homosexuals around them. But once if you publicly announce that you're a homosexual, there will be people trying to "cure you" or "avoid you" as if you were a leper or something. And seriously, as a bi-curious, I too can't see where they are, but actually, there are websites and gay bars ran by Koreans; a lot actually.

quote:

I do see many homophobes and anti-homosexual sentiments a lot, but that does not necessarily mean that there are no man-to-man thing

So, does this have something to do with Korean masculinity? Or perhaps something to do with Korean Confucianism?

Masculinity
I wonder if Koreans associate male homosexuality with un-masculinity...?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masculine
http://www.babylon.com/definition/MASCULINITY/Korean
http://subsite.icu.ac.jp/cgs/article/0408004e.html
http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080619113809AAuqa0a

Confucianism
I've noticed that Korean guys, even gay Korean guys, are much more family-oriented than Westerners. Maybe homosexuality has no place in a Korean's sense of duty and honor?
http://tinyurl.com/korean-confucianism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_and_Confucianism

cf. Japanese masculinity and Confucianist elements.
Even though Japanese also feel a duty to family, there's a thriving gay subculture here that's much more developed than in Korea, it appears. And Gay Korean guys I've met have always seemed much more macho than the gay Japanese guys I've met. My understanding doesn't go any deeper than that, though. There's some difference that many of us Westerners probably fail to see.

Hi there!
Well I'm a French guy, but with Algerian background (actually I'm only a quater Algerian, but my 3rd surname is Ali, which is definitely an Algerian name and not a French one...).
I was actually reased as a French and a Catholic but I always had the feeling I was mixed! And I must say I hate when people say one have to choose this side or this one of one personality! Just give yourself sometime to get closer to Korean culture and language and lets decide where u prefer to live (America, Korea, or even somewhere else!!!).
Basically I would considere u're BOTH American and Korean, but if u have trouble to "fit in" in both countries, well then maybe you should think about setteling somewhere else down! People will ask you the same stupid questions but at least you'll know why!!! You won't be from "their" country!!! I'm actually living in Japan! So I kind of know the feeling!
Hope this will help you!
PS: "Homosexuality or "gay" are western countries' notions of sexuality! Some other cultures just don't fit in these kind of notions! Korea and Japan are good examples of that! most of "gay" Japanese guys would never say they're gay. I'd rather say most Japanese guys are bisexuals! and would never really identify with "gay" culture!
As fare as I know about it!!!

I don't really get why you "need" to tell people that you're American just because you don't speak Korean well. I don't know what your legal status in the U.S. but it seems like you want to identify yourself as American at least while in Korea and have it work to your advantage.

Although you gave us a vocabulary lesson on "Yankee", I don't think the word conveys so much of a derogatory sense since it literally refers to Americans despite its derivation. People call Americans Yankee to generalize. In Korea, the words "Yankee" and "Caucasian" are sometimes sort of interchangeably used. If you live there long enough, you'll probably pick up on that. The f word, on the other hand, wasn't really called for. Whoever called you that, that guy was a prick.

Not that I'm trying to argue with you or antying but the way you write doesn't sound a "native". I can be wrong because I'm not a native speaker of English but I'm sorry I'm just not convinced because I didn't get that vibe from you. Which begs the question: Are you, indeed, U.S. born and bred?

This is one instance where the native speaker does not really give importance to sentence construction. Native English speakers just speak it and they do not necessarily study it. Not unlike us Asians who study the English language for how many years. If I am right, grammar class in the US ends in the 2nd Elementary grade.

And going back to the topic - Just be yourself! It never hurts to say that you are Korean-American or say that you are Korean but raised in the US.

Coming out of the closet is a choice. When you feel that the people around you are not accepting, then, there are a lot of communities that would accept your true self!

Just remember that you are loved! You have us!

re.last message: I'm a native speaker and this guy is certainly also a native English speaker.

Guys posted above are so good writers. I could learn a lot of things reading some articles here though I am not a writer of this main post. I also realized the shortages in my writing. Thank you, guys. Have a nice day!

Chad88, please keep writing if you like. I found your 24 August post thoughtful and informative!

There is much to say on this topic. The fast modernisation of Korea has not been a fast liberalisation of the people. Especially with the older generation nothing inherently has changed: the husband is the head of the household while the woman is to care for her family and most often has to give up her career.

Children are expected to marry, continue the male line, make heaps of money and look after their parents. Homosexuality has no obvious benefit here.

However, the generation gag is evident when speaking to younger Koreans. They are open to homosexuality among other things, but unfortunately it will be years before the 20 plussers are heading their families and running the government.

In the mean time, do what everyone else is doing in Korea - stick to your particular clique. American Koreans hang out together, and foreigners hang out together. As I see it, only a fraction of outsiders get to befriend the locals, and then it takes perseverance.

As I am not American, I cannot comment on the Yankee usage. But, do Americans still regard it as derogatory?

Eye in Asia

If you are a so-called returnee, and want to live in Korea, then study the Korean language as best you can, try to fit in with others and just think of your years in the US as an enriching experience.

quote:

Originally posted by Kazuhito fan:
Alex T, why not simply pick what you like most in both cultures, i.e. that of Korea and America?

America is the proverbial melting pot, but it doesn't mean having to reject one half of oneself for another, but blending the two in a harmonious whole.

Look at Barack Obama who is neither completely Kenyan nor entirely Kansan, but 100% American.

That is why millions of Americans of all races, backgrounds and walks of life look up to him and are about to elect him the next President of the United States.

It is easy to say this. But I somehow understand how Alex T feels about his own identity. Comparing Asian Americans to African Americans does not seem like a good idea.The situations of these two groups are quite different. Here no one asks African Americans where they are from. Everybody just assumes they are Americans. But many people do ask Asian Americans where they are from. This happens even in California, where Chinese and Japanese Americans have been living over generations and Korean and Vietnamese populations are significantly increasing. Many people seem to have difficulty in realizing that Asian Americans are Americans. I am by no means saying that Asian Americans are suffering more than African Americans. I am just saying that the problems these two groups face are very different from each other.

There is a "Yankee Stadium" in the United States. When Americans (or Northerners) call themselves Yankee, this is not necessarily a derogative term. But when Koreans use it, it is definitely derogative. In Japan, too, people used this term during and after occupation by the United States in order to express their resentment. It is not surprising that some Koreans still use this term since the presence of US military forces is much more visible than in Japan.

wd

Here in Japan, strangers look upon me as a "gai(koku)jin", and assuming I am American, start speaking in English to me although I am from France.

Depending on the person and my mood, I reply in English, Japanese or French.

Naturally, my experience has nothing in common with Alex T's, but having spent over half my life in Tokyo, I consider myself a well-adapted virtual Japanese with French background.

The point I am trying to make is that it is more important to fit in as well as possible with the destination country than stick to the identity of your country of origin.

As for "Yankee", as you know, today in Japan, the word ヤンキー　(Yankee) originally from Osaka refers to "bad boys" who wear Aloha shirts with hip-hop jeans, narrow dark glasses with lenses bent at a 45 degrees angle, and drive big cars with chassis almost scratching the ground...

No, I am not one of them!

KF

quote:

Originally posted by Alex T:
"I am born in America, but my parents are korean. (snip) However, now that I'm in Korea (italics mine) i need to let people know I am an American (namely because my korean language skills are poor -_-"). But I look korean? I don't know....any thoughts?

To this, I replied the way I did. Alex T considers himself American, but his "country of destination" is now Korea. It also happens to be that of his parents. It seemed reasonable enough to me to advise Alex T to do his best to speak Korean as well as he can and fit into Korean society as best as possible.

It is interesting to note that when a Japanese family moves to the US owing to the father's transfer, the family members continue to speak Japanese at home and children are sent to a Japanese school whenever possible.

On the contrary, I have been told by US friends of mine living in New Jersey in a neighborhood with a large number of Korean households that Korean families make an effort to speak English at home and try to integrate themselves smoothly into US society.

This might account for Alex T's trouble in speaking Korean fluently and his need to identify himself as an American in Korea, something few Japanese returnees ever do back in Japan.

KF

quote:

Originally posted by j4c3:
I don't really get why you "need" to tell people that you're American just because you don't speak Korean well... it seems like you want to identify yourself as American at least while in Korea and have it work to your advantage.

Not that I'm trying to argue with you or antying but the way you write doesn't sound a "native".

Why do i need to identify myself as American. You are right, i do have selfish motives; I am a foreigner who is visiting another country without acquiring a sufficient vocabulary to get by, who hal expected to be able to get by without adequately understanding another country's language. Not only that, but i lied in saying i look korean. I'm half korean and half chinese, and apparently asians can see the difference in my facial features, and they call me out on it. So to a certain extent it does work to my advantage to claim americanhood. but on the same token, why do other people need to inquire about my identity? Because I look different? Speak differently? I suspect the reason is to quell curiosity, to have peace of mind afterall we fear what we do not know/understand. So i wonder, is that all that nationality, or ethnicity for that matter is; something to claim in order to claim one's identity? No doubt that nationality and ethinicity or human social constructs: it's just an ambiguous word used to group people together and distinguish them from another group.

this is an issue that trips me up-- the identity issue. we have no sense of identity unless we are able to point out the differences we have with others. but pointing out these differences breeds pride (who wouldn't want to be proud of themselves) which in effect breeds intolerance. Often times we fail to see the human authorship of these social constructs which allows these intangibles to manifest in very tangible ways: hate crimes, wars, or just the feeling of being inadequate in an alien surrounding. So what's the solution? for all of us to homoginize into one amorphous group of people with no distinct charachteristics; your basic scary Orwellian society (In some ways this is reflected in South Korean culture). Or for us to continue to celebrate diversity of colorful cultures, which will also in effect allow ignorance and inequality to thrive (And this is America).

Lastly, What does a "native" sound like to you? out of curiosity what specifically made you think I may not have been from the U.S? I was born in the United States. Tangent question. Why does it seem as if American is interchangeable with The United States. For a moment i was going to type "I was born in America" but then i tried to think of where America actually is? Do Canadians call themselves Americans? what about Mexicans? people from Brazil, Peutro Rico, Argentina? What exactly is the adjective for describing that one comes from the United States? "United States-ian"?

quote:

Originally posted by jaytee:
This is one instance where the native speaker does not really give importance to sentence construction. Native English speakers just speak it and they do not necessarily study it. Not unlike us Asians who study the English language for how many years. If I am right, grammar class in the US ends in the 2nd Elementary grade.

Does anyone from any country type or speak according to their language's proper grammer rules when talking among peers in a relaxed environment? I'm sure there are some who do, but my point is..I don't know what my point is...just that I'm confused. Grammer lessons end in the 8th grade, but students continue to improve their grammer in higher level writting assignments in high school and college. oh I thought this line was particularily humorous: "Not unlike us Asians who study the English language for how many years." Double negative --> you are saying that Asians who study English for many years "do not necessarily follow [grammar rules]." kekeke ^_^V

quote:

Originally posted by No clothes required:
The fast modernisation of Korea has not been a fast liberalisation of the people.... when speaking to younger Koreans. They are open to homosexuality among other things,

In the mean time, do what everyone else is doing in Korea - stick to your particular clique. American Koreans hang out together,

As I am not American, I cannot comment on the Yankee usage. But, do Americans still regard it as derogatory?

Eye in Asia

Really? where are the kids you talk to? I'm working as an English Tutor for kids rangng from middle school to high school right now. Let me tell you that they are quick to judge. They poke fun at the handdicapped, judge the homeless, the mentally challenged, and homosexuals. Even though I am "their teacher"..they feel comfortably talking to me in an open and frank manner because I'm about the same age as them and I take them out every now and then for some fun. What is more stressful for me, however, is that the korean culture of being non-confrontational and respecting authority is a tough cycle to break or to change the hearts and minds of these kids. For example, may kids grow up presbyterian christian. I ask them why they align themselves with christianity and they say they dont know why...because their parents are presbyterian? Why do you make fun of "strange people" (their term for handicapped or mentally challenged) they don't know. and when i probe them further they just give into what i want to hear from them, that they are open to all religions that handicapped people are people too. it's frustrating because i know they don't really believe what they are saying and they will continue to ignorantly think positively or negatively towards others.

When i was younger i did the same thing, i called other boys faggots, excluded the few in my school "black" boys from my group of friends, etc etc. So i can only hope that all my students need is time and the proper experiences, but then i wonder are those experiences available? i think there are certain drawbacks from living in a homoginized society where almost everyone is korean and like minded-- especially one where people dont argue/debate and certain issues are taboo.

/quote/On the contrary, I have been told by US friends of mine living in New Jersey in a neighborhood with a large number of Korean households that Korean families make an effort to speak English at home and try to integrate themselves smoothly into US society./endquote/

yeah for real. im half korean, half white, raised in america. my parents divorced so i grew up with just my mom. she didnt want me to eat my food with chopsticks, she didnt want me to speak korean at home, and she didnt want me to call myself korean, only to call myself american.

fortunately for me, i didnt listen to her... the biggest reason i didnt do those things (besides call myself american) is because 1 i didnt want to be different in the way i ate at home 2 my mom couldnt speak english and i couldnt be bothered to try to teach her and 3 im proud to be (ethnically) korean and american, i dont ever want to have to hide it or deny it.
so i speak korean, love korean food, call myself korean-american and im happy with who i am.

of course, its easier for me, because when i go to korea they dont expect me to know korean (because im so tall and dont look full korean), but when they find out i can speak korean they like me a lot. they like me even more when i ask for seconds at dinner!

hey alex.
so im korean american and in korea your known as "jae-mi gyo-po" simple as that man. i think your taking the whole identity thing too seriously. korean people dont hate korean americans. there is an animosity towards some foriegners tho and if you open your eyes you might be able to notice why. just chill out doode. enjoy the culture and what korea has to offer to you. titles are only necessary to a certain degree. tell people your a gyo-po.
that says your a korean from another country. add jae-mi and tell people your jae-mi gyo-po and that means korean american. as far as the gay scene, they have two major ones in itaewon & jongro. gay.com has a korean chat room too. check out fridae.com. hope that helps and who cares if someone calls you a yankee lol do you really need to get into the logistics of why? maybe cuz they can? hahah Korea is also a country heavily influenced by Europe. sorry to break it to you but not all things are American ;p