Kevin Chen

Name: Kevin Chen
Age: 20
Background: Taiwanese
Major: Economics/ Geography
Year: 2nd
Area: Vancouver/ Downtown Toronto

What general stereotypes of East Asians do you think are present in society?
East Asians are smart at math and are well educated. In general, many East Asian families are viewed as well off or belonging in the upper class. They are also viewed as being anti social and people that keep to themselves.

What stereotypes do you face on a regular basis?
People view me as apparently rich because of my spending habits and the clothes that I wear. Since I am majoring in economics, people automatically assume I am good at math. Also, I am naturally an independent person, so sometimes I like staying by myself and doing my own thing. But some of my Caucasian friends think I am depressed when I choose not to chill with them or go out. So they have a perception that East Asians have low moral and confidence.

How do you dispel these stereotypes?
I take it as a joke and just brush it off.