Many people refer to America as a “melting pot.” What we think of as American culture is often a combination of many different cultures. For instance, a close examination of current American culture will reveal a great deal of Asian culture influence. Here are just four ways to prove that:
Anime
Anime is a Japanese style of animated film and television with an increasing presence in American culture. One of its earliest contributions was Halo, the catalyst for a new wave of video game playing in which first-person players interact with other players across the world for an interactive and realistic gaming experience.
Another gift Anime has bestowed upon the American culture is Dragon Ball Z. This is one of the most watched Anime series, in which the characters Goku and the Z Warriors protect the earth from evil. This show teaches viewers valuable lessons of friendship, loyalty, and how to live a life in which good prevails. In addition to the television screen, you can find Dragon Ball Z in in the form of toys, books, and clothing such as Dragon Ball Z t-shirts and DBZ hoodies for fans of all ages.
Education
After school programs are popping up all over America for children in elementary, middle, and high school. These programs provide homework tutoring and educational activities. Summer educational programs are also gaining in popularity among many American families. Stretching the learning process into afternoon hours and summer breaks is a practice that has been present in many Asian cultures for years.
Cuisine
Take a walk down most urban streets in America, and you are bound to smell delicious scents of Asian culture before you even see it. A wide variety of Asian cuisine is becoming very popular in America! You can explore Chinese and Thai food, Korean and Mongolian Barbeque, and Sushi, and Fusions of all of these and more. These range from highly authentic “hole in the wall” joints, to Americanized fast food versions such as Panda Express, to 5 star restaurants featuring only the most exquisite Asian dishes.
Taiko
Taiko is a form of Japanese drumming. Historically used on the battlefield, Taiko and similar Chinese and Korean equivalents is fast becoming a popular performing art in American culture. Most American colleges and universities have Taiko student groups. Many urban areas have community groups that perform at local events and offer lessons. National professional groups tour the country for year-wide viewing experiences. The most notorious group is Taiko Project, whose talents have been recruited for work by popular American artists such as Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Usher, and Kanye West.
From entertainment, to education, to eating, the American culture is fast embracing aspects of many Asian cultures. The next time you’re choosing a restaurant, looking for something fun to do, or figuring out whether or not to get your kids Dragon Ball Hoodies to keep them warm in the winter consider some of the options inspired by Asian culture. Learn more about the world while discovering a new passion!
