So, recently the Olympics ended, and it was a lot of fun. I am from Seattle, but happen to be in Japan during that time. It’s the same as it is in the states. The news and Olympic coverage is biased, and focuses on events with national athletes. So, in Japan, they were rooting for Japanese speedskaters, skiers, ice skaters, and curling. BTW, did you see the Japanese Women’s Curling Team? A bunch of cute ladies. 
One thing I’ve noticed, and feel a bit embarrassed about admitting is that I tend to root for the Japanese, although I am 2nd Gen Japanese American. I feel a bit embarrassed or guilty because while my friends are rooting for the states, I usually secretly root for the Japanese. On top of that, if it’s soccer, I root for other teams like Italy, Brazil, England, Netherlands, Argentina, etc…but rarely the US. Basically, I’ve never rooted for the US. Even back when I watched tennis, I never rooted for McEnroe or Sampras or Agassi or Roddick. I’d rather root for Becker, Edberg, Lendl, and Navrotilova. I recently asked myself why this is.
I think it’s a few factors. Firstly, the US players tend to exude a cockiness that I don’t particularly like. Most US players lack a sense of humility IMO, and lack admiration and respect for other countries. I think the Americans consider all this space and wealth and freedom a God-given right, and I feel that’s just ignorant. We are so lucky to live in the US, and gratitude is the attitude people should embrace. That annoying sense of entitlement many Americans exude is embarrassing. I get annoyed by the fist-pumpers.
Secondly, I’ve always liked the underdog in whatever sport I’m watching. I like to see teams perform above the odds and win against Goliath teams. Usually, the US in all it’s wealth and power and freedom tends to be that Goliath. And, although I’m born of the Goliath, I like to watch it tumble.
Thirdly, I like the mystic international athletes have. I don’t know why but I’ve always been interested in foreign countries and people more than America. I think it’s because I grew up here, and the culture here is very banal and uninteresting to me. It lacks class and tradition, and is irreverent. Other countries tend to have more of a group-oriented mentality, humility, and depth of tradition which appeals to me better. So, when I see American athletes on the world stage, they just seem so uninteresting and ordinary to me. It’s like I’m watching Joe Blow from down the street, who I never liked anyway.
Although I’m American, I feel very Japanese. I definitely feel Japanese when I am in the states, though I feel American when I am in Japan. But, maybe since I look Japanese, I identify more with the Asian culture and people? I don’t know if you guys have gone back to where your parents are from, but it is quite an eye-opener. You blend into the crowds, and you feel a part of a whole. I’ve never felt that here, even though I speak the language. Of course, some Asian Americans feel totally connected living in the states, and I kind of envy that. I think it’s a personality thing. But, I’ve always felt somewhere that I am an outsider, and that’s fine, since I have access to a whole other culture and lifestyle most Americans will never understand.
In a sense I feel like a traitor, but it’s how it is. I feel very fortunate and lucky to live in the states. It’s a very convenient place to live. However, I often feel a disconnect with its people and culture, and when I do, I identify with my Asian heritage. It’s like I’m only half here.
So I ask you guys this. Do you identify more with your Asian background or where you live now(US, England, Australia, Canada, etc.) ? Why do you identify with it?
March 24th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I’d be worried about you if you DIDN’T feel the way you do.
These APAs that only consider themselves Amellican a la Connie Chung “I’m an Amellican, that’s it.” (the inspiration of every SAF) are lackeys.
The Amellicans are genociders, enslavers, and hypocrites, and deserve anything they get.
Asians are bullied in the media, in the schoolyard, in the office, and anywhere else so why should nay self-respecting Asian (SAM especially) root for his oppressor?
Cocksucers!
March 26th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I know your post wasn’t aimed at people like me – I’m a white female who grew up in America – but I totally agree with your standpoint. American athletes (and most Americans in general) lack humility, admiration, and respect for their peers/other countries. I often feel that American athletes are not only boring, but that they are only there for themselves, to show how much better they are than the next guy…whereas I get the feeling that other international athletes feel the burden of representing their country.
It’s not just because you’re Asian – America has no depth to it’s culture. We are taught to think about ourselves above all others here, and that greed is a virtue. I’ve lived in a couple of other countries and I’ve fallen in love with the rich, preserved history and traditions there, as well as the sense that you are part of a society that looks out for it’s people. In America, we shit all over our historical sites and tear them down if it means profit…and our “society” is pretty much every man for himself.
I live in a very multicultural city so I can’t say anything about blending in…but I find it hard to believe that anyone, barring small-town residents and those who are part of a vast religious community (such as Mormons in Utah), ever feel “part of a whole” in The States. This country is split down the middle on any issue of importance and bigotry is everywhere. I have mixed-race friends, black friends, and East-Indian friends who have expressed the same sense of disconnect that you have.
My mom is Jewish, and although we have never really practiced, I spent years as a teenager immersing myself Jewish history and philosophy…not because I wanted to become more religious, but because Judaism is a culture with a rich history and sense of tradition that drove my ancestors here. No doubt I would have done the same for my dad’s roots if he had been more open about them. We are lucky to live in the US, sure, but whenever people here need a sense of meaning in their life, they turn to their ancestral or religious roots, or some foreign philosophy. It is very much a personality thing – those who are happy just to live in a convenient place are satisfied here. Many others search for something else to belong to.
As for myself, I identify with a few things – other women, Jewish culture, and if I must identify with a location, it’d be specific to New York, where I grew up. Not the whole of America.
March 28th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Hey thanks for writing! Although one comment is a lot cruder than the other, they both have good insight. I think anyone with similar feelings can and should post, and so I appreciate your comments, Eleven. In fact, your post is very intriguing since you are NOT a SAM and feel the disconnect I feel.
I guess somewhere I feel a need to accept and embrace my surroundings completely, but I haven’t been able to do it. I even feel a sense of anxiety with my American surroundings a lot of times.
That’s interesting you mention NY, because I have noticed that very strong ‘Empire State of Mind’. NYers are SO passionate and vocal about their city it’s pretty amazing. (In fact, I’m watching a Knicks vs. Pacers documentary, and the NY fanaticism of their team, including Spike Lee.) I wonder if there are many NYers who feel ‘NY isn’t me’?? And, I know there is a very strong Jewish cultural presence in NY. Isn’t that very different from the Jewish traditions from Israel? Is there any sense of connection with Israel for you?
Nowadays, with the internet, you can access all kinds of information and media from all over the world, so it’s not like I need to be in Japan to get my Asian fix. I guess it’s just the everyday American lifestyle which is a bit uninteresting to me, even living in multicultural Seattle.
But, I think a lot of it has to be me. I’m an introvert, and I’m an artist as well. I get more satisfaction creating and doing stuff alone more than I do socializing. And although I want that connection with the community, a part of me is pretty antisocial. So, I think a lot of it has to do with me. I’m weird that way.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
New York, especially Manhattan, is increasingly filled with transplants (rising prices are driving out a lot of native New Yorkers, and unfortunately, changing the entire character of New York), but I think a lot of native New Yorkers are vocal about their city because: a) There actually isn’t any other place like it in America and b) New Yorkers are just loud, blunt, and opinionated! This city is CROWDED, fiercely competitive, fast-paced, global. We have Buddhist Temples, Churches, and Synagogues all packed into a single square mile, we have projects next to luxury building, high-rises across the street from centuries old architecture, and people of every race, religion, sexual orientation, and financial situation crowded into the same schools, subway cars, and apartment buildings. We have world-class food, art, theater and nightlife, we have the UN building and a constant flow of tourists from around the world. It’s hard to live here and not be aware of pressing political/world issues. You can’t grow up here without learning to be accept other ways of life. It’s hard to eat at some of the world’s top restaurants (and even our mediocre restaurant have to be pretty decent to survive, what with all the competition) and then go to World’s End, Alabama, and be satisfied eating at their one restaurant – an Applebees.
America is a HUGE country, and it’s full of many vocal groups, extreme political leanings, and unfortunately, a lot of ignorance that is well-documented all around the world. I don’t intend to live here forever, but I identify with New York because it has shaped my outlook on the world. If I came from any other major US city, I would likely feel the same way. Plus, there’s the funny reaction you get abroad: Tell people you’re American and they stiffen, become distant, start grilling you about political issues they expect you to support (traveling during the Bush era required a lot of patience, let me tell you)…tell them you’re from New York and they get excited, open up, ask (rather than rant) about politics…it’s like New York is regarded as a separate entity to foreigners as well.
There is certainly a strong Jewish presence in NYC, and if I were to compare us to Israelis, I’d say we’re all pretty similar. Israel has a predominantly Jewish population, but other religions are represented there, and the majority of people I met there were reformed. The young people dress just like us, party just like us, get tattoos just like us, yearn for peace just like us. They have cities filled with shops, beaches, and plenty of technology that we enjoy here in America. The difference is, they have required military duty, bomb-shelter drills, an everyone knows someone who has died, been kidnapped, or maimed in the war. They face death every day. Even the reformed Jews there must have God on their minds, every time they hear of another bombing? Reformed Jews here drift further away from Jewish identity because there is no reason to think of it. The basic traditions, for those who practice, are the same whether in Israel or America.
I don’t feel connected with Israel in any spiritual sense, but I can’t say it wasn’t strange to look around there and say “wow, most of these people are Jewish like me.” Considering we are about 0.2% of the World’s population, you’d be hard-pressed to find yourself in that situation anywhere else. Israel, on a political level, is not something I like to discuss, since it’s filled with a lot of emotions, propaganda, and misinformation from both sides, but all I can say is that…we are on the decline already, with assimilation, and if Israel fell, I don’t think the Jewish race/religion would ever recover. There is a lot of beauty, history, and culture surrounding the faith, and it would be tragic to have that wiped out.
It’s funny how so many introverts are convinced they are weird for enjoying solitude. There are sooo many of you out there, doing what you enjoy. It’s not that weird! The social butterflies just happen to be louder and more seen
April 23rd, 2010 at 1:12 am
As an ABC I too feel a great disconnect with Americans even though I grew up in America. I used to be very patriotic and proud when I was younger, but as I’ve grown into adulthood I’ve become aware of the racial divide that exists in this country, and I’m now ashamed to be a part of a country that is so selfish, shallow, arrogant, and inconsiderate of others. I was always aware of racial exclusion for Asians from a young age but was in denial about it b/c I didn’t want it to be true. I preferred to believe that I was being judged by the content of my character and not by the color of my skin. As I got older though, the truth became too obvious to ignore. My mother wanted me to grow up as an American because of the opportunities here. Though I am probably better off financially, the social isolation was the price I had to pay and I think it was too high of a price.
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:09 am
Hey thanks for posting guys and gals. I enjoy hearing everybody’s experiences on this topic.
I’m coming to the realization that I’m just very different from most people, and my path runs counter to the grain. And, it just takes more and more effort to be with the people and culture that I’m interested in. Once you find where you feel comfortable, you can make an effort to be there longer. For example, I can make it an effort to visit Japan more often, and watch Asian entertainment while in the US. The great thing is the internet allows us to get access to everything we want, wherever we are. In that sense, I’m always where I want to be.
Thanks for commenting.
April 24th, 2010 at 7:21 am
To Reflective SAM, I absolutely understand where you are coming from.
Living here in Australia I feel the same thing, that sense of disconnectedness with the society I was raised in. I think that sense is becoming even greater the older I become and every time I go back to visit my country of origin or visit Japan or other Asian countries.
Being an introvert (INTJ) as well, I can relate from that perspective. But it is great to have the internet now so that I can watch stuff other than what is fed to me by the media here and in the Anglo-sphere.
But back to your original topic, I’m totally like that when it comes to supporting sports teams. Aussies are quite sports mad and quite parochial. But to sum my against-the-grain thinking I’ll list the sports that Aussies love but I do not follow the national team –
- Football (or Soccer to the heathens): I’ve always followed Germany and my favourite Asian team is Japan.
- Cricket: I always used to like every other team but Australia, and the English and the South Africans.
- Rugby Union: I prefer the New Zealand All-Blacks to the Australian Wallabies.
Cheers
April 26th, 2010 at 6:06 am
I hate this country with a passion. More so because I feel completely betrayed by it. Why did you feed me all those egalitarian based lies in the first place? I feel condemned to live in a place like this, condemned to be judged by awful generalizations. Even when I go abroad, I am trapped by shitty white male expats who are elitist Manifest Destiny sexual tourists who make it a point to denigrate me. I hate this country and everything it stands for. And yes, I am from New York City, the supposed melting pot, only to be immersed in racism from all different walks of life. Even despite the fact that I have an asian girlfriend, I am filled with hate — a hatred that I do not want… but burdens me because I cannot alleviate it, nor can I forget the things Ive experienced or seen. I hope many of you SAMs dont go through the things I go through, or become as extreme as me. For me, it feels like there is no turning back.
April 26th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Hey EPacalyptic NSAM,
Me and I’m sure many others would be interested in what you have gone through. Would you mind sharing? Yeah, I figured that there have got to be some NYers who have been alienated within the melting pot that exists there.
I have never gone to the point of hatred towards any other race. I think that can be very dangerous. It’s probably more healthy to hate individuals than a general thing as ‘race’ or ’society’. Because, there are always exceptions to the rule.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:39 am
America does have depth to its culture, but it’s not readily apparent in the mainstream. But that is not an America-unique trait: anywhere you have to dig deeper and beyond the mass mainstream to find what is culturally interesting. The same is totally the case in China.
I think loyalty to a city is quite different from loyalty to a city. A country is an abstraction, and “loving” it requires a fair amout of brainwashing. A city is intimate, enveloping insistantly real. A city is a place and an environment, a country is a sociopolitical construct.
Reflo, I doubt you blend as much in Japan as you think you do. ABCs in China stick out so hilariously – clothing and body language and demeanor is so different from a mainlander. Just as I wouldn’t blend in England.
August 8th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Man, life is just one disappointment after another to you, isn’t it? You hate the U.S., but you’re not Japanese anymore, and real Japanese people know it.
Remember the 14 year old Chinese gymnast? Did the gaijin make that up too? BTW, who the hell cares about the Olympics anymore?
Now that I think about it, you’re a gaijin too. I’m sure you’ve been called that, and I bet it stung. “Nikkei” probably hurts too.