Our Topic:
When considering a potential topic for the term project we began thinking about what we have experienced in regards to Asian Americans throughout our lifetime. Being that we are not Asian American, we wanted to choose a topic that we could personally relate to and that has influenced us. That is how we came up with the idea to survey fellow students about what Asian traditions, products, trends, etc. have become a big part of American culture. It's not only important, but interesting, to learn about how Asians have not only assimilated into America throughout decades past, but have greatly influenced American culture as well.
Methods:
In order to compile our list we developed a survey which asked students what they considered to be the most influential Asian aspects in American society. We passed the surveys out not only to Asian American students, but to students of many different races and ethnicities; since we are all Americans we can all have a say on what has been influential on our cultures and our lifestyles. We handed out approximately 50 surveys, and after reviewing and analyzing them we were able to come up with some interesting results. The top six influences on American society were chosen because they were the most mentioned throughout the surveys by a long shot. Although dozens of other things were mentioned in students' surveys, these six were continuously mentioned, thus allowing us to assume these must be truly influential on our society.
The Results:
Number 6: Harajuku Girls
After counting results from the surveys, the Harajuku girls received a whopping fifteen votes! The Harajuku Girls consist of Maya Chino, Jennifer Kita, Rino Nakasone, and Mayuko Kityama. They became an international phenomenon as American superstar Gwen Stefani's backup dancers/entourage. The name of the group is a reference to a suburb in Tokyo, Japan. They are currently still with Gwen Stefani and have greatly influenced the fashion trends and even haircuts of young girls around America.
Learn More!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioRIo1EJN4w
http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Harajuku-Style
Number 5: Asian-Themed Tattoos
Coming in fifth place with 18 votes are Asian inspired tattoos! Not only limited to letters and words, but pictures such as dragons that have been seen gracing the bodies of tattoo lovers all over America are included in this category. It is not just Asian American individuals who indulge in this trend, but all people who connect with the meaning of the different tattoos are drawn to the craze.
Learn more!
http://crazy-tattoo-designs.com/asian_tattoo_symbols.html
Number 4: Sanrio Products
Doesn't everyone remember their Hello Kitty toy as a child? We know we do! Well apparently so do 24 of the people whom we surveyed! Sanrio is a Japanese company which creates dozens of characters that appeal to kids of all different races and ethnicities. Their products have been sold for years and range from school supplies to stuffed animals. Sanrio has provided our society with a taste of Asian culture and style that many children are drawn to.
Learn more!
http://www.sanrio.com/
Number 3: Sake Bombing
Taking the number three spot is the ever popular sake bombing with 31 votes. This fun activity consists of Japanese beer and sake in which people place a shot of sake onto chopsticks and slam on the table until the shot falls into the beer. While doing so, people often yell "sake sake sake BOMB!" or the Japanese version "ichi ni san SAKE BOMB!" This is a fun social activity that is now assimilated into American culture...and certainly a staple on most college campuses!
Learn More!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uunDEGrShoY&feature=related
Number 2: Americanized Chinese Food
Not surprisingly, Chinese food made it to the top of the list! A whopping 40 people surveyed said Chinese food is an extremely popular aspect from Asian culture now popular here in the U.S. Food is always an important part of a particular culture and can teach people a lot about one's traditions and customs. Chinese food is extremely popular to all Americans and there is even the well-known "China Town" in New York City with a plethora of Chinese cuisine. Chinese restaurants range from upscale restaurants to fast-food and no one can seem to get enough.
Drum roll please...
Number 1: Sushi
Winning only by two points with a total of 42 votes is Sushi. This cultural dish which originated in Japan consists of raw or cooked fish usually rolled up in seaweed and rice. Talented chefs prepare sushi by hand, but these days people are learning to make it in their own homes. Similar to Chinese restaurants, one can find a Sushi restaurant just about anywhere in today's society.
Well...that's all folks! We hope you enjoyed learning about just how influential Asian culture has been on American society. It is important to learn what America has gained from the various cultures that reside in our country and how a diversified society is important for a rich education.
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