Most people think of Asians as "smarties." To me, being an Asian is awesome. However, there are many pros and cons. If you're Asian, you will definitely understand. If you're not, you will probably be surprised.

Pros:

1. Most likely to excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths).

Because we have Math (both algebra and geometry), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science classes from grades 1 to 12.

2. Hard-working

This could be explained by the culture. Society and family always expect us to work hard and bring honor to our family.

3. Best food on earth!

If you think Chinese food in the states is the best, try the authentic Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Burmese, Korean, etc food. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you will fall in love with all types of Asian foods. Plus, all Asian food tend to be healthier because we rarely cook with butter or cheese. Instead, we often cook with vegetables!

4. Everything is cheap

One dollar is worth a lot more in any Asian currency. A lot of exporting products are made in Asia. Plus everything is negotiable aka bargaining is a thing.

5. FOREVER YOUNG

It will no longer be a surprise if we’re asked for an ID at airport or a bar no matter if you’re 18 or 21.

6. The perfect tan

If you consider dark skin perfection, then living in Asia would be your best choice because where I come from, it’s about 86 degrees all year round.

7. Chores are not a problem

Since we were young, we were “trained” to help clean up after ourselves and take care of the entire family. Most Asians also know how to cook for the entire family.

Cons:

1. Being short/little/skinny

Whether you believe it or not, average height for a male is 5'7" and a female is 5’1". This creates many obstacles when competing with Americans or Europeans in sports.

2. Too many standards for everything

If you’re a girl and you weigh more than 110 lbs, you’re considered fat. Chubby people should not dress in short clothes that reveal too much skin, otherwise they'll be judged. If you dye your hair, paint your nails and have more than one ear piercing, you’re thought of as naughty.

3. Conservative and strict elders

The elderly involved not only include our parents but also aunts, uncles, grandparents, and teachers. I remember on the 18th birthday, I joked with my mom that since I was 18 she couldn’t interfere in life anymore and she told me that I’m a Vietnamese, not American, so don’t even think about that.

4. Being shy/introverted/antisocial

(a) We don’t have the ability to start and keep up a conversation with strangers.

(b) Due to (i) most Asians only hang out with people from the same countries and tend to not attend any social activities.

5. People think we’re closing our eyes

Because some of us have pretty small eyes, they often disappear when we smile.

6. Lack of strength

Sports and PE aren’t a thing in our schools.

7. It’s all about the A’s

"You're an A-sian, not a B-sian"; getting A’s in all classes is the “must-have” under all circumstances, or else, you might be “executed.”