Jan 9th, 2008
Asians Love Karaoke
I hate stereotypes, plain and simple.
I recall visiting a friend’s family Ohio way back when, and my friend’s Father asked why I was studying English literature.
“Shouldn’t you be studying math or science?” He asked straight-faced.
I remember looking at him for a few moments, trying to gauge his intentions before realizing it was a sincere question.
“No, not every Asian studies math or science,” I responded briskly.
Growing up half-Asian and half-Persian, I’ve been graced with a steady stream of racially-driven comments and insults, which have admittedly tapered off as I’ve gotten older.
There was a time that any racially or ethnically-driven comments would have boiled my blood but now that I’m older I have to find myself conceding that some of them are true.
For instance, it is a simple fact of nature that Asians love karaoke.
Do you want proof? Well, how about the fact that Seoul has 30 karaoke bars per square mile versus 5 in Washington, DC?
Just joking, I don’t think there are any stats that can substantiate my claim - but anecdotally, I will admit that I went out with a Filipino friend of mine who shall go nameless the other night.
After hitting several bars and clubs and appearing quite manly and dashing, we stopped at his apartment and sang karaoke on his home machine for about thirty minutes before continuing to the next bar.
That just doesn’t happen with non-Asians!
Want more proof? Here is a video I shot when I was living in Korea. Fast-forward to 1:00 in the clip and be prepared to be amazed.
It wasn’t a sincere comment, it was his attempt at a joke… it’s just my Dad’s inapropriate sense of humour, driven by an ability to cope with awkward moments such as meeting people for the first time!
It was wrong - but no need to present him as some kind of racist monster!
i get the feeling that sometimes other people think it’s ok to point out that i am korean when i’m feeling heated on an issue.
or that when i mention my child was being stubborn over something, it’s because she’s half-korean.
i hate karaoke. period.
Well in all fairness Tamara, Koreans are fiery. We are also intelligent and incredibly attractive. By the way, I believe you get your citizenship revoked if you hate karaoke.
korea should have at their entry points at the airport a karoke machine for all adoptees and foreigners.
i don’t believe i’ve ever met a passive korean.
Half Asian, half Persian? Where do you think Iran is?! Iran is in Asia. To me, you are North American with extra stuff in your heritage. Having seen your cute face, I would say you look more like your father. However, being child of two ‘axes of evil’ I am sure you are much more complex than an average American(ill-informed voter, suspicious of anything spicy or slightly beige).