Chinese American Beauty Queens

OK, this video doesn't have a lot to offer the student of Mandarin Chinese, but I think there are some interesting things going on in the video re: culture and identity (and perhaps sexism).

Do any of these girls speak zhongwen? Properly not! they are of Chinese descent that does not make them Chinese. They are American Beauty Queens, and they sound a little fickle and materialistic and sexist to themselves as modern day women.

I live in Queens, and was quite interested in the video. The New York Times also did a piece about the popularity of the contest. It should be noted that New York City does indeed have a lot of events that would be considered truly Chinese Culture, dancing, singing, etc.. I suspect most of the girls in the video are american born, but thats not to say a lot of the participants arent chinese born or dont speak either cantonese or mandarin.

Actually my wife just pointed out this clip of her school., New York Chinese Cutlure Center (nyccc) They hold many chinese dance performances. The school is in chinatown, new york. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFDXLj35QEw regards Tom

It's clear that there's a problem of American national security with americans of Chinese ethnic descent. It's the only community where, generation after generation, the origin still prevails tremendously over the american nationality.

kmkfr, I don't really buy that... they may strongly associate themselves with the Chinese subculture, but that doesn't mean it's a stronger association than their American identity. I have a really hard time believing that anyone who doesn't even speak Mandarin/Cantonese/etc. could identify more strongly with Chinese culture.

kmkfr I respectfully disagree. Although in recent years, there have been some stories in the news regarding security breaches and such from Chinese nationals, it's ludicrous to make such a definitive statement as "it is clear that there's a problem of American national security with" Chinese-American. It isn't clear. Multiple foreign nationals pose problems for "national security." Secondly, I doubt very much that "It's the only community where... the origin still prevails tremendously over the american nationality." I have lived here for more than 25 years after emigrating to the US as a child. My identity is firmly Chinese-American. But, I know of many, many people with dual ethnicities; Mexican-Americans, German-Americans, Greek-Americans, Indian-Americans etc. They are also proud of their heritage. On a side note, I like your YoutTube videos, especially the one where the mom interviews a potential husband for her daughter...hilarious! AZERDocMom

WEED WACKER - It's pretty clear that there's a national security problem at the White House, and it spanned over two generations. ;p

Obviously, I should have placed some smileys in my last message to avoid misunderstanding. :)