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Does it bother Asians that they are characterized as smart

Since Basilmarket is predominantly Asian, I thought this would be a good place to ask. Asians are usually generalized as being smart, more specifically, good at math. However, is this really a bad thing? Also, assuming you aren't Asian, if your race/ethnic group was stereotyped as being smart, would it bother you?

October 20, 2011

12 Comments • Newest first

silkym39

It's not really a stereotype. In the sat, Asians score like 560 on average where as the average white student will score like a 500.

Reply October 20, 2011
KatSmokes

im white
i get categorized as rich/fat/dumb/everything handed to me
i wouldnt mind being stereotyped as smart if i was smart
..but im not LOL

Reply October 20, 2011
blazi4ever

Yeah because I'm not smart myself as an Asian and it bothers me when people overpressure me. orz

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
cb000

Asians are not good at math. They tend to get more of a head start because their earlier mathematical education might be a bit ahead of the non-Asian counterparts, but once they get into their specific fields, they find themselves on a more or less even playing field.

You'll find plenty of Asians in engineering, but once you get to theoretical math, or even theoretical physics, you'll notice that those two fields have historically been dominated by white people. When it comes to thinking capabilities, Asians have no real advantage.

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
fortexxx

I'm Vietnamese, I went from a terribly bad elementary school, and then transferred to a relatively good middle school. I some how got into Gate, (in this case, your average smart class) I am relatively average. I find myself dumber than most of the people in class, I even find myself taking up space for the other genius's in the school, taking their place.

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
LastPerson

This one time, some seniors walked past my math class and were like
"So many asians... must be the top math class"
No joke.

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
Jovial

[quote=SoggyToast]I could think of worse stereotypes associated with other races. I think Asians have it a little easier compared to other minorities. Still, it's obnoxious when people say "BUT URAZZZN". It makes no room for individuality.

Stereotypes in general are annoying.[/quote]

Agreed. Being the 'model minority' has it's downsides, but it could be a lot worse.

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
SoggyToast

I could think of worse stereotypes associated with other races. I think Asians have it a little easier compared to other minorities. Still, it's obnoxious when people say "BUT URAZZZN". It makes no room for individuality.

Stereotypes in general are annoying.

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
SonGokuFood

No not really loolz...

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
Fishu

Personally, it bothers me, because I'm terrible at math.

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
brandiano

Im half asian, good at math, Generally smart...

Doesn't truly bother me = D

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited
CrownedSorrow

I don't really mind.

Reply October 20, 2011 - edited