Prejudice exists on many different levels and in every single culture to some degree. This prejudice seems particularly prevalent within the borders of the United States, especially when it comes to immigrants or "non Americans." Asians are feeling this racial prejudice very strongly, particularly when celebrities on the television, such as Rosie O'Donnell, make jokes and slurs against Asians on national TV as she recently did on her show, "The View." This can only add fuel to an already raging fire.



The particular referenced slur was in regards to the "Ching, Chong" that Ms. O'Donnell spouted on her show. Unfortunately, this type of intolerance is common. Asians often have a more difficult time learning to express themselves appropriately through the English language. Many American movies capitalize on this and turn it into humor at the expense of the Asian race. Though many famous Asians have a strong command in the American movie market, there are still often jokes made because these Asians struggle so with the most difficult language in the world to master.

The "Oriental" look may also be a contributing factor to the apparent prejudice that seems to embody some areas of the United States in particular. Although the "Oriental" look is considered great beauty by many, it can also lead to a type of profiling because immediately it is apparent that the person is "not American." It is this attitude of looking so different that many Asian youth are making attempts to "fit in" with their American neighbors. They are dying their hair brown, red and even blond while wearing blue or green contacts. While they may be taking somewhat successful steps in "fitting in," they are turning away from a rich, beautiful heritage of which they should be proud.

It appears that many Asian young people are moving away from the quiet honor that their parents and grandparents once held in such high regard. They are "pimping out" their 4-cylinder Hondas and Toyotas, adding engines with lots of horsepower and neon lights on the frame in an attempt to "Americanize" themselves and appear more American, perhaps in an attempt to really fit in. They are adapting urban phrases and talk about "chillin' in the ghetto" or "reppin' the hood." These phrases are barely acceptable by the majority of Caucasian Americans, but when the prejudiced feel alienated, they take extreme actions in an attempt to blend in, to fit in.

In certain areas of America, Caucasian-Americans view Asians as a threat to their jobs. There is a general consensus that Asian workers work harder for less money. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant. What is important is that the obvious prejudice that is often felt in many areas. The Southern States in America, typically referred to as the "Bible Belt," is well known for its prejudicial references to many groups, including African Americans, Asians and even Americans from the Northern states (also known as Yankees).

As the election year approaches in America, there is much talk because for the first time in United States history both a woman and an African American stand a very good chance at being elected into the presidency. Presidential elections have been held in America for more than three hundred years and this is just now coming about. Is America truly as advanced as much of the world believes? Were an Asian American to run for office, even for a local government such as city council or mayor, would they be elected? Would one particular geographical region be more inclined to elect an Asian American while other geographical regions would not?

Historically we have seen racial prejudices among Asians of different countries. This is really no different from any other race on earth, but for some reason this stands as an international fascination. At some point or other the Japanese seem to have alienated just about all other Asian races. There is evidence that many Asian races feel prejudiced from other Asian races. One of the most striking prejudices, however, is that Asians who are non American and residing outside of the United States and are prejudiced against the Asian Americans who live within the United States' borders. The Asian Americans seem, at times, to be considered sell-outs, especially as their children strive to become more Americanized.

When we look at the events at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, we must question what role, if any, did racial prejudice play in Seung Hui Cho's criminal actions? He claimed in his letters and writings to have been taunted and teased by his peers. Was this due to his ethnicity? Could negative stereotypes of Asians have influenced how Cho was treated by his peers, or could it have been a factor in why he was so reserved and withdrawn. Sometimes, even perceived prejudice can play a very large part in how a person acts in social situations. With such negative stereotypes on the television, movie screen and in the American media, could this have instilled in Cho a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, a feeling that despite his best efforts he would never fit in? Combine that with the widely accepted violent attitudes that seem to permeate American culture today and you have a true disaster brewing.

Would Cho have benefited more from being treated by doctors who better understood his heritage? Even if he had turned away somewhat from his Asian heritage, his photos show some mild attempts of his to appear more American, would an Asian counselor and doctor have been better able to reach him and perhaps prevent the tragedy?

Prejudice and alienation are extremely painful and lonely. When you are perceived as "different" you are laughed at, gawked at and left out. Different is not always a positive asset in American society.