Asian American Identity Development Model

“Personal Reflections”

For my personal reflection I have chosen to use the Asian American identity development model because I am half Asian (e.g. half Filipino). The text states that this model, has not advanced as much as the African American model. It goes on to explain the example and findings of Chinese American students treated at the University of California, Berkeley, Counseling Center: (a) traditionalist— a person who internalizes conventional Chinese customs and values, resists acculturation forces, and believes in the “ old ways” ; (b) marginal person— a person who attempts to assimilate and acculturate into White society, rejects traditional Chinese ways, internalizes society’ s negativism toward minority groups, and may develop
She describes five stages in this process. The first stage is the ethnic awareness stage begins around the ages of 3 to 4, when the child’s family members serve as the significant ethnic group model. Positive or neutral attitudes toward one’s own ethnic origin are formed, depending on the amount of ethnic exposure conveyed by the caretakers (Sue & Sue, 2013). In my own experience I believe that I received neutral attitudes by the time I was about 3 or 4 years. Growing up I was not exposed to varies types of my ethnic exposure. Some aspect that I was exposed to was living with my extended family, eating some Filipino food, and hearing my mother and other family members speaking the native language called
This is often followed by the realization that White oppression is the culprit for the negative experiences of youth (Sue & Sue, 2013). Anger and frustrations against White racism may become a defining theme when an increase in Asian American pride starts to flourish. I believe I have found a sense of pride for my culture and have incorporated it within my American identity as well. I have always been proud to be both Filipino and Italian. Although I have always felt a stronger connection to my Italian culture. Today, I feel more of an equal balance and want to incorporate more historical and cultural values within my life because my family was not as traditional as some other families are. I always felt like my cultural identity was not as strong as it could be and this is why I actually like to learn about other cultures, It is fascinating to me to learn more and understand why people do the things they do and for what reasons. This is also why I want to travel and meet more people within my culture to better understand the culture. I believe I am currently in this stage because I want to reconnect with my culture, but on the other hand I am open to learning about all