Select a person from your friends, relatives, classmates, or workplace that belongs to the culture. Conduct an interview (in-person or phone/video call) or research this cultural group to collect information. Be sure to share the purpose of this assignment with the interviewee to engage in authentic conversations.
Students should collect information using the following questions.
Cultural Treatment
Is the cultural group well represented in the U.S.?
Research the latest demographic data available for this group’s population in the U.S. and your city.
What are the key characteristics of this cultural group, such as language, values, and customs?
How is this group portrayed in the media?
Cultural Oppression
Has this cultural group experienced any type of oppression and privilege throughout history?
What is this cultural group’s current social standing related to oppression and privilege?
What is the best way to be an ally of this group?
After collecting the material, create a PowerPoint Presentation that showcases all the information gathered from the interview/research. You can write in the first person.
Full Answer Section
[Name] said that they feel like they are often stereotyped as being good at math and science, or as being quiet and submissive. They said that they would like to see more positive representations of Korean Americans in the media, and they would like people to be more aware of the diversity of the Korean American experience.
Key Characteristics
Korean culture is rich in tradition and values. Some of the key characteristics of Korean culture include:
- Language: Korean is the official language of Korea. It is a unique language with its own alphabet and grammar system.
- Values: Koreans value family, education, and respect for elders. They also place a high value on hard work and achievement.
- Customs: Korean customs include bowing as a greeting, eating with chopsticks, and taking off your shoes before entering a home.
[Name] said that they are proud of their Korean heritage, and they enjoy sharing their culture with others. They said that they feel like their Korean identity makes them unique, and they would not trade it for anything.
Challenges and Discrimination
Korean Americans face a number of challenges, including discrimination and racism. [Name] said that they have experienced discrimination in the form of microaggressions and stereotypes. They said that they have also been made to feel like they are not a "real" American.
Despite these challenges, [Name] is hopeful for the future of Korean Americans in the United States. They said that they believe that Korean Americans are making progress in terms of representation and acceptance. They also said that they are proud to be a part of the Korean American community.
Conclusion
Korean Americans are a diverse and vibrant group of people who have made significant contributions to American society. While they continue to face challenges, they are also making progress in terms of representation and acceptance. [Name]'s story is just one example of the many unique and enriching experiences of Korean Americans in the United States.
Sample Answer
Cultural Treatment
I interviewed my friend, [Name], who is a Korean American, about their experiences with cultural treatment in the United States.
Representation
According to the 2020 census, there are over 5.8 million Korean Americans in the United States. This makes them the fifth largest Asian American group in the country. However, Korean Americans are still underrepresented in the media and in popular culture.