Dying In American Culture Essay

Joon Yoon

Period 1

How ethnic culture is Dying in American Children

As someone who is Korean American, I've had my fair share of struggles when it comes to fitting in with my ethnic culture here in the US. Growing up, I was exposed to American customs and values, which sometimes clashed with my Korean background. Koreans tend to value things like respectful conversations and showing deference to elders, while American culture is all about individualism and independence. When kids like me come from another country and settle in the US, we often find ourselves drifting away from our own culture and trying to embrace the American way. [Slide 1] It's not always an easy transition, especially for younger kids who have a hard time understanding the

Even though I'm Korean, I'm losing touch with some cultural values and traditions that define Korean society. For example, in Korean culture, [Slide 2] it's customary to use honorifics when addressing elders and demonstrate respect through gestures like bowing. However, these customs aren't as common in American culture, so younger generations of Korean Americans, myself included, might not follow these cultural morals as much when interacting with Americans. [Blank] As I've gotten older, I've noticed that I've started to mix some American ways into my Korean background. It's not that I'm forgetting where I come from, but I've learned to balance both cultures in my life. I appreciate my Korean heritage, but I also try to fit in with the American culture around me. It's a constant learning process, figuring out how to respect my roots while adapting to the environment I'm

Cultural morals are slowly becoming less dominant in my mind. I feel like a part of my mind is dying. As other ethnic children continue to assimilate into American culture, we are losing a piece of our identity that makes us unique. Our cultural traditions and heritage are good to have, but they require preservation and active recognition. But, many of us don't know where to start. We may feel stuck between two worlds, with neither culture truly embracing us. However, preserving our cultural heritage is vital to our identity and sense of belonging.[Slide 4] We must teach children and our peers about our heritage and traditions, so they do not fade away when our generation passes. We must actively recognize and respect our own heritage, and ensure that it remains a vital part of our lives and identity. The slow loss of ethnic culture in American children is a tragedy that deprives them of an essential piece of their identity. Many of us struggle to find a balance between our heritage and American culture, as we attempt to navigate through two different worlds. But we must remain strong in preserving our cultural traditions and heritage, as they are an essential part of who we are. Let's work together to keep our heritage alive, so future generations can experience the beauty and richness of culture. Thank