"What's you major,?" someone asks. "I'm an East Asian Studies major." The person continues to stare blankly at me, then quickly says "Sorry but can you repeat that again?" Even though its been around since the '60s, I'm often convinced people are not aware that "East Asian Studies" is a major in both undergraduate and graduate institutions. It seems that worldwide compared to majors such as Economics and International Relations us East Asian Studies majors number in few. So in honor of our unique close-knit discipline, here are 6 signs that you're an East Asian Studies Major.
*NOTE: The images below are not intended to represent any generalizations and or diffusions of East Asian cultures. In terms of which areas constitute East Asia, it seems to depend on who you ask and or where you study. In my specific case East Asia refers to China, Japan, and Korea.
1. You have read Edward Said’s Orientalism at least once.
It basically serves as the foundation for every intro to East Asian Studies class.
"Orientalism is a style of thought based upon ontological and epistemological distinction made between 'the Orient' and (most of the time) 'the Occident’." (Edward Said’s Orientalism). If you don't know what this is you need to Google it!
2. Unlike many people who study abroad just to party, you had one of the best study abroad experiences, delving into some of the world's oldest cultures and traditions.
Shout out to those who did 24/7 language pledges!
3. You've taken Chinese, Japanese, and or Korean Language classes for most of your college career.
"What do you have for homework"? "A dictation quiz tomorrow"
4. People constantly question what you want to do in life. 
Are you going to be a diplomat? Translator? Professor? Do you want to live and work in Asia?
5. You learn that Asia is a like bad love triangle. They love and hate each other. 
Grudges against conflicting histories are often brought to the forefront in the present.
6. People ask you if you watch anime.
You may or may not but that doesn't mean we all do. It is likely that if you are learning Japanese you have watched it at least once.
