a look at the value systems of most of the first and second general Asian
Americans and compares them with those of most other Americans.
To our credit, we probably emphasize education, saving, work ethic
and helping out our family members more than most Americans.
Not to our credit, we might not have sufficiently absorbed some of the
better values, listed below, of most other Americans:
1. Speaking out against injustice. (Some of us don't even speak out
against injustice when it is against us.)
2. Turning the negative energy of a personal tragedy into the positive
energy of helping a project designed to prevent others from experiencing
the same tragedy. (A huge fraction of Asian Ams. have encountered
discrimination at work or in the society, few have channeled their negative
experience to establish positive relief for other Asian Ams or other new
immigrants.)
3. Committing a certain amount of time, money and energy to help a
community's needs. This is especially so among the highly educated, and
especially after they've retired. (We have a very high share of the "highly
educated." Our community is not known for volunteering or giving for
community needs.)
4. Having individuals like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Ted Turner.
(We have a couple of equivalents. Hopefully, there will be more.)
The above have been my observations through my 54 years living in
America. I am NOT a sociologist. Nor did I do research in any of the above
topics that I am blabbing about. So, if I am way off base., please
forgive me. If you think I may have a point that is worthy of your
attention, examine thyself first, and then share the e-newsletters with
others.
Why is 80-20EF sending this e-newsletter to you? EF
believes that we can be the first generation of Americans possessing the
best of both Asian and American cultures. Besides benefiting ourselves,
it is also one way to give back to America.
So "how American are we?" We can be the best of Americans.
Sincerely yours,
S. B. Woo
President, 80-20 Educational Foundation, Inc.
http://www.80-20EF.org
PS To give your feedback, please go http://www.80-
