The uncomfortable state of being Asian in tech

https://medium.com/little-thoughts/the-uncomfortable-state-of-being-asian-in-tech-ab7db446c55b#.r9uxei579

by triketora • 11 years ago

6 3 11 years ago

I feel conflicted. This is something Asians, particular East Asians, need to be more active in, but this is poorly written. It's hard to follow and doesn't say anything. Maybe if more Asians write more on this topic then we will get better at it.

noname123• 11 years ago

I don't necessarily think we need to have a discussion about being Asian in technology.

I appreciate how attractive a conversation can be and/or a Asian American forum or movement that discusses Asian American issues etc.

However, in my personal experiences, those conversations unfortunately don't go anywhere; mainly because we are not part of the protected class (nothing against under-represented minorities, I actually support affirmative action in tech and education; but Asians don't get the same advantages conferred unfortunately and it is futile and dishonest for us to try to get them IMHO).

Also like the author said, Asian experiences are very diverse. Priscilla Chan (Mark Zuckerburg's wife) for instance would have a very different experience than say a first-generation Chinese female software engineer working for Facebook (Asian American female issues, "Asian Fetish"; "Joy Luck Club" pressure from traditional parents to still toe the line of an filial daughter), and also a different experience to a 2nd-generation Korean male project manager (Asian American male issues, bamboo-ceiling, being perceived as a work-bee and docile in professional and social settings).

The most successful Asians I respect and try to learn from have dedication and commitment to a higher goal. I respect highly a short Vietnamese guy who have forgone a high-paying medical specialty to toil in pediatrics but he loves it; he also found love in a FOB plain jane but also loves her too. The pure joy and happiness he partakes in life is a refreshing contrast to other neurotic Asians I know in extremely high paying jobs and/or partaking in the yuppie urban lifestyle.

I think we can learn from and even internalize the spirit of the American civil rights leaders. But we have to "affect change" through our work and remain humble instead of "dialogue" and "forums" that sometimes turn into a narcissistic navel-gazing. I think ironically, the traditional Asian values are quite American, in the traditional self-effacing American puritans or the Mid-West kind of way that made this country great.

kelukelugames2• 11 years ago

1) Asians are a protected class. We are a legally protected class. There is a difference between affirmative action and protection against discrimination.

2) Sure, you and I have our anecdotes, but there are systemic disadvantages against Asians in the tech industry. Remain humble and stay quiet? That's some Uncle Chen BS.

The uncomfortable state of being Asian in tech

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