[This placed in the top 10 finalist for the NPR Podcast Competition.]

Question:

As an Asian American, am I more Asian or American?

________

Consider the Beijing Winter Olympics. Eileen Gu who was born and raised in America represented China, yet Nathan Chen, who was also

born and raised in America, decided to represent the United States. Why?

It’s because in the past, someone else defined whether you were more American or Asian - your peers, your neighbors or the government. But today, one’s identity is much more of a personal journey based on self determination. Though one cannot change the opinion of others, it is up to you to decide who you are. Before, there were laws that perpetuated racist treatment and prevented them from having a choice. Now, in the present, the difference is that it comes down to choice.

Quotes and interviews from: Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site and Minidoka National Historic Site

Disclaimer: All sound effects were made by me.

*It is recommended to listen at half volume*

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