Young Asian Americans are finding success on their own terms, according to Jennifer Lee (pictured), a professor of sociology at the University of California, Irvine.
In an article she wrote for the Guardian, Lee said many Asian American parents believe success can only be guaranteed in conservative professions such as medicine and engineering.
Lee wrote:
“Based on our interviews with the children of Chinese immigrants, we learned that their parents believe that careers in writing, acting, fashion and art are risky because these professions involve subjective evaluation, thereby making their children vulnerable to bias. By contrast, careers in medicine, engineering, law or pharmacy require higher credentials and advanced degrees, which protects their children from the usual types of discrimination.”
Anecdotal evidence suggests a new generation of Asian Americans are rejecting this notion and carving their own path.
Read Lee’s article and find out why she thinks Asian Americans need more artists and not doctors in the Guardian. Then share your thoughts with us.
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RE: We need more Asian American artists, not doctors: At least professor Jennifer Lee has some “hard evidence” whereas fellow professor Amy Chua has “hot air”. I do feel that Lee has overlooked APA civil rights & photographic justice advocates in our communities.