Asian American Culture

Asians are physically different from people of European descent. Almost all Asians have straight, black hair, dark eyes, less body hair, less facial hair, almond shaped eyes, small noses and are shorter with a thinner build. Asians also have extra skin over the corners of their eyes called epicanthic folds and lack a crease over their eyelid.
In the past, Asians were called “yellow skinned” when in fact their skin color is the same as a North American. Asians prefer pale skin over tanned skin because pale skin is considered beautiful and tan skin is affiliated with poverty and hard work out in the sun. The Asian culture goes to great lengths to protect their skin and spends a lot of money on skin care products that whiten the skin. Asian
Because most Asians are lactose intolerant, dairy products are not consumed except for ice cream. Asian Americans get their daily calcium requirement from eating small fish, bones included, and from tofu. Their main proteins are fish, chicken and pork and they also consume large amounts of dried beans, nuts, vegetables, and rice is eaten at very meal.
The one thing that is common through all cultures is the advice given to pregnant women. Pregnant women are told what to eat or what not to eat. Asian folklore includes, eating crab will make the baby naughty, or it will be born with 11 fingers. Drinking milk will lighten the baby’s skin and eating squid can make the womb sticky. The modern Asian women realizes these are wives’ tales and adheres to a well-balanced diet but at the same time will take into consideration that pregnancy is considered a “hot” condition and that she should be eating “cold” foods to balance the yin and
During labor the woman is to remain as quiet as possible because crying out will lead the evil spirits to the new baby. Also during labor, the idyllic position is squatting, ensuring that the baby will have enough energy to come out. Once the baby is born and before the umbilical cord is cut, a necklace is placed around the baby’s neck so the baby becomes tied to the necklace and not the umbilical cord. The father is not normally present during the birth but he is expected to give the baby his first bath. After the woman gives birth she is expected to stay in bed for one month and she is not to do any heavy work including housekeeping. She is expected to be covered in heavy blankets and to avoid “cold” foods because the “staying period” is considered a cold time and she needs to keep the body in