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The Dartmouth
July 11, 2025 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth

Panelists discuss Asian identity

A panel of five students discussed the Asian-American experience in relation to cultural identity, stereotypes and interracial relations at a forum last night.

More than 40 students attended the program titled "What it Means to be Yellow: Exploring Asian-American Identity" in the Rockefeller Center for the Social Sciences.

Panel member Kenji Sugahara '95 said ethnicity plays a secondary role in his life. "I see myself more as American than anything else," he said.

Sugahara talked about the struggle for independence from stereotypes and cultural pressures.

"I just want to be myself," he said. "I don't want to be constrained by anything my culture says I can or cannot do."

Other panelists felt their heritage was more important. "My cultural background is the basis of my values, beliefs, and morals," said Christine Chen '97.

Panelist Jennifer Chun '95 said her heritage "is one of the most salient characteristics of my identity."

Kelii Opulauoho '96 said he felt his heritage was "a great thing. I'm very proud of who I am."

The audience and panelists also discussed issues of friendship and marriage within the context of an Asian-American heritage.

Chen, a Taiwanese-American, said common heritage is even more important for marriage.

"I think that for me, the ethnic background does matter. [My spouse] has to be Taiwanese-American," she said.

Chun also said she felt a common ethnic heritage could be very important in a marriage.

But Opulauoho differed on the subject of marrying outside one's ethnic group. "It doesn't really matter to me as long as I'm happy."

The Asian and Pacific American Issues Forum sponsored the event.