Understanding APA Culture

APA Cultural Awareness

This project is meant to promote awareness about Asian Pacific American culture by highlighting some general experiences and facts. On the next page, you will find an interactive digital "gallery" in which you can hover over the paintings to learn information, or click on them to find a related summarized poem.

PAH 260 Final Project

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This painting depicts the Asian American immigrant experience, which involved many hardships regarding unfamiliarity and the unwelcoming attitudes by Westerners. They faced racial discrimination and job instability, but found power in using their voices for civil rights/activism.

This painting depicts the societal exclusion of many Asian Americans as the term "The Yellow Peril" was even brought up to describe Asians as an "unwanted" presence. Physical appearance and accent were among the things singled out by Western culture.

This painting depicts the struggles of the Vietnam War, in which innocent people suffered and experienced loss due to bombings. This war also further established the relations between Asia and the US.

This painting depicts the generational differences that occur among Asian American families. There are differing perceptions of the same subject that are influenced by one's own background and experiences in life.

This painting depicts the popularized stereotype that Asians are all "intellect" and rarely anything else. The academic abilities of Asian Americans created a model minority in which shifting conceptions of Asian Americans occurred.

I find myself standing upon the coast,My eyes wander over the calm ocean.For me, my home is what I miss the most,But I must set along a new motion.Life in America is very tough,There are people who ignore who I am.I am working four jobs which might seem rough,But for others, doors will close with a slam.Tired of the hate, I join a protest,My voice and my heart deserve to be heard.This separation needs to take a rest,The line between friend and foe will be blurred.Although I may not be returning home,I now know a place where I’m not alone.

A strange sounding voice,Perhaps danger to the WestI think they mean me?

They swarmed into hereThinking they would do no harmBut they destroyed me.

(Daughter) (1) It seems my mother does not understand,(2) I have been working hard throughout my life.(3) My job is secure, I’m also a wife,(4) I learned to grow up, let go of her hand.(5) Give her gifts, and receive a reprimand,(6) Her distaste cuts me deeper than a knife.(7) I question if we’ll pass over this strife,(8) I’ve tried and tried, but I’m still not as grand.

(Mother) (9) It seems my daughter does not even know,(10) Her happiness is truly what I wish.(11) I come across as dismissive and mean,(12) My emotions are hard for me to show.(13) I cook rice noodles, her favorite dish,(14) I’m sorry love… I am here, you are seen

Apparently I need to work and study hard,So the only thing they can notice is my smarts.Say, I guess that’s all I’m really good for,Underwhelming to others when I don’t perform.My sense of worth is understood by materialism,Except I know who I really am.

Before you start exploring, I would like to explain the layout of the design:

Welcome to the Gallery!

The circular room represents the idea that when you look at one thing, you are not able to see everything in it. There is the notion that you are not able to know everything all at once. The paintings are scattered in such a way that you have to alter your own perspectives first before understanding the others. The stairs also contribute to this concept, as it represents the idea that you have to work to understand different things that you might not yet know (climb the stairs to see something you couldn't previously see). Lastly, the person is depicted as smaller in comparison to the room, as it represents the idea that the world is much bigger than yourself, and there is so much to learn. Now, go interact with the paintings!