The Accidental Asian Tourist

Source: Sam Louie

I recently had the opportunity to visit Europe to teach on the concept of cultural Asian shame and addiction in Switzerland. Part of this opportunity allowed me to do some sightseeing in other parts of the continent, so my wife and I spent some time in Paris.

What intrigued me about the trip from a psychological and cultural perspective is how surprising it is for people in these international cities to view us as Americans. It doesn't matter how "Western" we dress or even if we speak English in public—the assumption is that we must be from mainland China.

Part of the stereotype is due to the growing affluence and prosperity of China's middle-class, giving them the means to travel. But this is a relatively new trend because as recently as two decades ago, the proverbial joke of the Asian person with a camera was that of a quiet, Japanese tourist. But now it has been replaced with the more expressive throngs of smartphone-and-selfie-stick-carrying Chinese nationals.

Source: Sam Louie

At every tourist attraction, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pyramids to the Grand Canyon, you will find multiple Chinese tour groups. It's not surprising to see menus written in the country's native language but also in English and Chinese.

In places as different from each other as Switzerland and Japan, the goal in each country is how to accommodate the influx of mainland Chinese tourism.

As for Asian-Americans like myself, you can see how we can get lost in this ethnic shuffle. Consequently, we're often greeted in Mandarin by shop owners, waiters, and even children.

You can see how perplexing this is when I answer back in English, "I'm sorry, I'm American." They not only do a double-take but it can actually come off as shocking.

But even speaking English doesn't make Asian-Americans immune to this perception, as some continue to believe we're just educated Chinese who can also speak English.

Source: Sam Louie

This is not an indictment against the world but to help the mainstream in the U.S. gain a better awareness and appreciation of the challenges facing ethnic minorities here. Because despite the desires of minorities to assimilate and be "American" (i.e. Hispanic, Asians, etc), the perception and treatment both in the U.S. and overseas can sometimes be otherwise.

As much as Americans are often ridiculed for being uneducated by foreign countries, this experience highlights how those in other countries also need a better understanding of what it means to have an American identity.

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