Introduction
America is a melting pot of cultures, with many different cultures drawn from across the globe. One of the most important and far-reaching cultures in America is Asian culture. From the Far East, Asian culture has profoundly impacted America in a number of ways, from cuisine, art and language to philosophy, religion and architecture.
History and immigration
Asian immigration to the United States of America began in the 19th century. Chinese workers were brought over to help build road and railroads, while other Asian immigrants settled in cities to open shops and stores or to work in fields such as agriculture or manufacturing. Initially many of these immigrants faced prejudice and discrimination, but their contributions to the growth and development of the United States could not be overlooked.
Now, Asian-Americans make up approximately 6% of the population, comprising of a diverse range of ethnicities and countries of origin, including China, India, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines and the many nations of Southeast Asia. They bring with them their rich and varied histories, traditional customs and beliefs to share with the country.
Cuisine
Probably the most notable way Asian culture has impacted America is through cuisine. Chinese food became popular in the States during the 17th century in American Chinatowns, where many Chinese immigrants had moved to. This became even more popular as more Chinese immigrants started to arrive, introducing dishes such as egg rolls, chow mein and sweet and sour pork.
Over time, other Asian cuisine, such as Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese food, have become increasingly popular across America, with these cuisines now having become a staple of the American diet. Asian food is readily available in supermarkets, and the many American Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian restaurants are very popular in many towns and cities.
Language
The Asian language influence in the United States has grown rapidly since the mid-20th century, mainly as a result of immigration from Asia as well as increased interest in Asia itself and its culture. Now, many Asian languages are taught in US schools, colleges and universities, with a growing number of students studying these languages and the many different cultures.
Other influence
In addition to the popularization of Asian cuisine and language, Asian culture has had a profound impact on other areas of American life. Music, art and film from Asia, both contemporary and traditional, have found a growing audience in America, Captivating millions with its beauty, grace and power.
Religion is another major influence, with the teachings of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism being adapted and used to help people cope with the stresses of modern American life. Asian architecture is also seen in the many Buddhist Temples and Shinto shrines dotted around the country, serving as a reminder of the lasting impact of Asian culture on the United States.
Conclusion
Asian culture is a major part of American culture, with its influences reaching far and wide across the country. The impact of Asian culture has been profound, from cuisine and language, to architecture and religion. Asian culture was brought to the United States centuries ago by immigrants and has been embraced and shared by many Americans since then. It is now an integral part of American culture and is sure to remain an important influence for many years to come.