Asian Americans comprise almost 4% of the U.S. population as Asian immigration has increased 6 fold in the last 40 years (Chi and Park, 1999, p. VII). However, Asian Americans suffer from many of the trappings of American society just like any other teenager might. The gang wars affect most everyone whether one is a member of a gang or not. In addition, the worries of going to college consume the minds of many of todays teenagers as well it should. However, there are areas where the Asian American population tends to fall into danger more frequently than do the white youth of this country. On-the-other-hand, there are pitfalls that many Asian Americans avoid because of the nature of their heritage. All in all, growing up Asian in an American society seems to fit the old saying- the same only different.
