Youth / OPINION : Beyond Oatmeal Boxes and Spoons : ‘I want to break away from traditional careers--not for the sake of rebelling, but for the sake of my music.’

I used to record myself on the tape recorder, pounding on Quaker Oatmeal boxes and singing to the lively rhythms of banging spoons. I abandoned the oatmeal boxes and spoons as soon as my family bought a piano. Then, when I was 14, I really got involved in singing--trying to compose songs, trying to saturate my life with as much music as possible.

But no matter how many times I pounded on the piano or sang or showed great promise, music didn’t fit in with my life. No matter what, I was supposed to become a respected professional--a doctor or dentist or a member of any other profession that fit the “traditional” Asian-American career.

The “expectation” of success, in general and according to my family, is to be good in math and science, hold a professional “white-collar” job and to live in a humble, quiet manner. This makes me wonder how many Asian-Americans like me are sacrificing their personal interests and talents for more traditional goals?

I am a third-generation, 17-year-old Japanese-American who is not interested in math or science. I long to venture into the competitive world of entertainment. I want to break away from traditional careers, not for the sake of rebelling, but for the sake of music, because it is what interests me the most. I have spent hours on a weekly basis with private vocal and songwriting lessons. I have even started to perform in public; but there is a block, a hindering voice reminding me that this is not acceptable.

Some of my peers are wary of my dream. “Are you seriously considering it?” inquires a friend. “I hardly ever see Asians on television or hear them singing on the radio.”

This is true.

“The music industry is hard,” says one Japanese-American friend. “I think it’s wrong for Asians to be up there on a stage, drawing attention to themselves.”

“I would be disappointed,” remarks my father, “if you decide to throw away an academic career for one in the entertainment business.”

However, most of my peers as well as my mother and my teachers are very supportive; they believe in my music.

I have come to understand that it’s not so much tradition as stereotyping that is hurting the dreams of youth. For instance, Asians are supposed to be reserved, quiet and humble. They are supposed to be scholarly business-minded people. While some Asians actually fit these descriptions, there are many who do not.

From generation to generation, traditions have been passed on. They have been inscribed in the minds of the young. No doubt, traditions should be embraced, for they carry special meaning. However, when tradition and the constant stereotyping start to create problems, it’s time to look for an alternative. While in some ways, the Asian-American tradition teaches honor, respect and modesty, it can also harm the potential of the individual--the individual talent, the individual dream.

Traditions are essential to everyone’s culture, but problems occur when they become oversimplified into stereotypes. The Asian-American stereotype must fade, so that those who want to become artists, singers or actors won’t be afraid to carry out their dreams.

I don’t ever want to lose sight of my dream. It gives me great hope to see that there are more and more Asian-Americans who are involved in non-traditional fields, such as the entertainment business and other fine arts areas. It should be recognized that we all have individual talents and interests regardless of color or creed. Not all Asian-Americans are interested in owning offices downtown or creating new aerospace cars. Some of us, like me, would like to pave a new path, a different path. You see, I don’t have to settle for oatmeal boxes and spoons.