AMERASIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Amerasian is a term used to describe individuals who have one parent of Asian origin, usually from East Asia, and another parent who is of American descent, primarily referring to United States origin. The term is a combination of the words "American" and "Asian."
"Amerasian" typically refers to individuals who are of mixed race or biracial, with one parent being from an Asian country like China, Vietnam, the Philippines, or Korea, and the other parent being of American or Caucasian heritage. This term is mainly used to describe people who have been born to American servicemen and local Asian women during periods of military presence or conflict in East Asia, particularly during the Vietnam War.
The concept of Amerasians gained significant attention and recognition during the 1960s and 1970s due to the large number of children born to American soldiers stationed in Asian countries. These children often faced unique social, cultural, and identity challenges, as they navigated the intersection between their American and Asian heritages.
In contemporary usage, "Amerasian" generally embraces a wider definition, encompassing individuals with mixed heritage between Americans and Asians, regardless of circumstances of birth. It serves as a way to acknowledge and celebrate the cultural diversity of people with mixed backgrounds, while also recognizing the distinct challenges they may face in terms of identity, heritage, and belonging.
Common Misspellings for AMERASIAN
Etymology of AMERASIAN
The word "Amerasian" is a blend of "American" and "Asian". It was coined in the mid-20th century to describe individuals of mixed American and Asian ancestry, particularly those born during or after the period of American military presence in Asia, most notably during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The term gained prominence due to the large number of offspring born to American soldiers and local Asian women during these conflicts.
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