The Culture Clash (East Meets West)

        When Asian families first immigrate to the United States, they experience a clash between a culture that they have lived with since they were born, to a culture that is totally different in many aspects. These differences may contradict morals and values of their homeland making it hard for the immigrating Asians to assimilate to the American culture.  When these families start to adapt to American tradition, it is quite hard to let go of their true cultural heritage.

With a generation gap of parents who came from an Asian country and their children who are born and raised in the U.S., there are many disagreements between the two groups.  The children raised in the States are exposed to American traditions that clash with traditional views of their parents.  This clash is often a misunderstanding or an instance of not wanting to accept the values of the opposing culture.  The parents might view their children’s culture as being uncivil, unruly and an embarrassment to the family.  While the children might view their parent’s culture as being too traditional, strict and makes the child feel as if they have no opinion or voice in any instance.