You would be surprised by the amount of Asians you see at Howard University. Some are notorious for traveling in packs and speaking a foreign language very loudly. While it is relatively difficult for them to acclimatize to the vastly unique cultural experience, consisting multiple culture shocks as well as differences in the way of life, they find their niche at the University eventually. While these 10 categories are not rigid categorizations for labeling individuals, one can get some idea what the Asians are up to at Howard University.
1. The Tourist
A cheerful smile, a friendly attitude, and a longing to meet people of different races and backgrounds are characteristics of a devout tourist. This person will be in a midst of people from other races in the cafeteria, in the yard, in classes, everywhere. If you went up to him/her to talk to them, you shouldn’t be surprised that they are in 10 different student organizations, and if you’re good friends with them, they’ll even invite you to a cultural event happening later that day.
2.The Couple
“Would the couples please stop cuddling in the couches near the water fountain in the I-Lab? It is …somewhat disturbing.”
This was a tweet from one Howard student. And it’s somewhat accurate.
The pack prefers to huddle together, the tourist prefers to wander college lanes meeting people and experiencing the new culture, but then, some may prefer to find a romantic partner (most likely Asian but not necessarily), sit back, relax, and chill. But in libraries, cafeterias, study areas, public benches, random couches, classrooms… pretty much everywhere.
3. The Frustrated, Loud, and Angry One
“I miss home!
Why is the food so bad?
Why is there so much homework?
Why did people around here name Football as Soccer?
Can’t I just not do anything for one day?”
No more explanation is needed for the frustrated, loud and angry one.
4. The Footballer
In this section, the sport of 22 people running around trying to kick a ball into a particular net is going to be referred to as Football, not Soccer. Apologies for any inconvenience.
The Footballer is perhaps, most easily identified. Football cleats, sportswear and maybe heavy breathing if he/she just got out of a game. The huge field is their haven and the sport is their escape. And one more thing; always expect to get into an argument with them if you refer to the sport as “soccer” and not “football.”
5.The Studious One that would bring their Homework to the Cafeteria
So the squad would be watching a horror movie and there would be one person with a pen and an exercise book making notes for one of their classes. Everyone would be eating in the cafeteria and one person would be there with their laptop on, brows tensed and a notebook ready. There is a stereotype surrounding the Asian community which suggests that they are studious, meticulous grade A students. Well, not everyone is like that but some certainly live up to “The Asian Standard.” However, we have such individuals in every race, and this quality is independent of race, so it would be safe to make no assumptions.
6. The Antisocial Dorm-lover
People? Events? Hangouts? Thanks but no thanks.
There are two kinds of antisocial people from my point of view. One is the type of person who technically hates everyone and spends the majority of his/her time avoiding people. The other is the type of individual who values his/her alone time more than anything else in the world. When you talk to them, they’ll be nice to you, greet you and smile, but it ends there. During events, parties or social gatherings, they disappear into thin air.
7. The One Trying to be 'Black'
This is a cringe-worthy sight for many. I refuse to explain it and let the picture do the talking.
8. The Disappointed Party Animal
Parties at HBCUs are insanely different than what Asians are used to in their countries. Everything from the music, ambiance and dancing. Everyone would be dancing in sync with all the steps and the words memorized down to a tee; whereas, the one who doesn’t know the song or the steps would be left standing there like an idiot. This person is usually the disappointed party animal who is used to his/her own style of parties and genre of music that it is difficult for him/her to blend into the new scene. These people usually resort to throwing their own dorm parties with familiar people, music, and vibes.
9. The Lazy Kid
Last but not least, we have the lazy college kid. Version: Asian. 8 A.M. classes are a huge no-no for these kids, they avoid it all-together. If they have to take it, they attend it only on two days, for the midterm and the final.
Breaking all Asian stereotypes, this person wakes up so late that he/she is late for his/her 1 P.M class ( a claim verified by actual evidence). To deal with classes they don’t like but with mandatory attendance, they get a friend to sign the attendance sheet.
80% chance of rain? 0% chance of going to class.
Is the weather too nice? Can't waste it by going to class.
The paper should be 5 to 8 pages long? 5 pages it is.
For assignments, there’s a deadline, and there’s a lazy kid deadline, which maybe one or two days after the actual deadline. A guide to interacting with this person? Don’t talk about assignments. Ever.
10.The Bottom Line
At Howard University, the tourist may find that his/her ways are too tiring and taxing, and may prefer to give “the antisocial dorm lover” category a shot. The disappointed party animal might get tired of trying his luck with parties, and may consider the ways of the tourist or the footballer. Or on the other hand, the frustrated angry one may morph into the antisocial dorm lover first, then into the lazy kid, then find that his/her grades are dwindling hence in return, they incorporate the ways of the one who brings their homework into the cafeteria. These categories are not rigid, they are fluid, and every Asian at Howard University may be able to relate to them at one time or the other.
At the end of the day, switching between the different categories and experimenting with different things is a phenomenal and educational experience, especially for international students as well as Asians.
