1. Family in Korea
Korean Amerasians understand their identity as a combination of Korean and American (or other) as presented by their families, particularly their parents. If ties to Korean families are keep, the Korean identity is usually strengthened in the Amerasian child. Whereas if the Korean parent has severed ties, for whatever varying reasons, with any family back in the homeland, identity is compromised.
Korean Amerasians understand their identity as a combination of Korean and American (or other) as presented by their families, particularly their parents. If ties to Korean families are keep, the Korean identity is usually strengthened in the Amerasian child. Whereas if the Korean parent has severed ties, for whatever varying reasons, with any family back in the homeland, identity is compromised.
2. Korean Language
The Korean language is often fostered and passed down through the Korean parent. There is almost always a correlation between language proficiency and identity development. In the case of adoption or single-parenting, the Korean language can be lost in the Amerasian child if there is an absence of the Korean parent. The reverse is also true of the native language of the other parent (i.e., English), as many G.I's fathers of Korean Amerasians left after deployment, therefore leaving the child to solely understand Korean while in Korea. Amerasians brought to America understand varying degrees of Korea while predominantly using English as it is taught in school.
The Korean language is often fostered and passed down through the Korean parent. There is almost always a correlation between language proficiency and identity development. In the case of adoption or single-parenting, the Korean language can be lost in the Amerasian child if there is an absence of the Korean parent. The reverse is also true of the native language of the other parent (i.e., English), as many G.I's fathers of Korean Amerasians left after deployment, therefore leaving the child to solely understand Korean while in Korea. Amerasians brought to America understand varying degrees of Korea while predominantly using English as it is taught in school.
3. Korean Community
Korean Amerasians often are scorned and looked down upon in Korea. These children are often ridiculed for their differences in appearance and their family history. Unfortunately, there are still many stigmas in Korea that are against mixed-race relationships, marriages, and children that inhibit the formation of supporting groups for Korean Ameraisans. In America, Korean Amerasians have had an easier and more positive experience assimilating into mainstream American culture. It is because Amerasians are much more readily associated with the Filipino and Vietnamese Amerasians, Korean Amerasians are often overlooked and have not been given proper support, mentally and emotionally, even today.
Korean Amerasians often are scorned and looked down upon in Korea. These children are often ridiculed for their differences in appearance and their family history. Unfortunately, there are still many stigmas in Korea that are against mixed-race relationships, marriages, and children that inhibit the formation of supporting groups for Korean Ameraisans. In America, Korean Amerasians have had an easier and more positive experience assimilating into mainstream American culture. It is because Amerasians are much more readily associated with the Filipino and Vietnamese Amerasians, Korean Amerasians are often overlooked and have not been given proper support, mentally and emotionally, even today.
4. Korean Culture
Being reintroduced to and learning more about Korean culture is vital in the identity development of the Amerasian community. In reconnect and building stronger ties through cultural practices, Amerasians are reminded of the difference in Korean culture and American cultural which allow for growth, acceptance, and integration of both cultures. Cultural practices that are passed down and used help reconnect Amerasians to other Koreans and help continue on the identity development of the individual.
Being reintroduced to and learning more about Korean culture is vital in the identity development of the Amerasian community. In reconnect and building stronger ties through cultural practices, Amerasians are reminded of the difference in Korean culture and American cultural which allow for growth, acceptance, and integration of both cultures. Cultural practices that are passed down and used help reconnect Amerasians to other Koreans and help continue on the identity development of the individual.