Japan has an old proverb: “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.”
While in China, there is a saying, “The higher the tree, the stronger the wind.”
In a critical lens, both idioms illustrate harmony and unity – a vital essence of Asian culture and heritage. Nevertheless, the proverbs also shed light on a contrasting school of thought: conformity and crab mentality.
Crab mentality refers to the situation one can explore by placing a crab or a collective of crabs in a bucket. A lone crab can inevitably crawl out of the bucket, however, a peculiar scenario would arise if one situates a group of crabs in a bucket. As a crab tries to crawl out, the other crabs will pull it back down. If it tries again, the others will rip its claws off to ensure it can never do so again. Ultimately, no crabs can go anywhere besides the stew pot you are brewing.
Crab in a bucket scenario (Image source: Microsoft Designer)
It is naivety to assume human beings are a unified collective group. History, wars, and jealous conflicts are testaments to human being’s selfishness. Hence, it is arguable that we are inclined to place ourselves above others, even if it means at the expense of our peers. Despite being a precarious thought, this insight opens new dimensions to understanding crab mentality in the human context.
“Remember your cousin Timmy in China? He has 15 years of experience. He’s nine!”
Steven He’s dad (played by Steven He) exclaimed.
Terms like “Asian-level difficulty,” “Tiger Moms,” and “Asian parents” have become widely recognized through memes, movies, and other mainstream media, serving as a lens for global audiences to understand and appreciate aspects of Asian culture. Yet, one community still paints a negative view of the Asian community, even discriminating against its individuals – and the answer is ironically the Asian community itself.
The purpose of this work is not to discriminate or criticize any peculiar group but to foster intellectual discourse and encourage reflection on societal dynamics and individual perspectives. The chosen quote embodies this intention, capturing four intertwined facets.
Understanding the concept of face is crucial when discussing Asian culture and heritage. Face serves as a societal construct that governs social interactions and determines one’s standing within a social hierarchy. It is a dynamic measure that can be given, earned, taken away, or lost, often extending beyond the individual to include family and friends. For those unfamiliar with this concept, here’s a simplified explanation:
A wife who earns a promotion gains face for herself in front of her boss, while also bringing face to her husband and parents through her achievement.
Conversely, a student who performs poorly on an exam loses face among peers, and their parents, in turn, lose face within their social and familial circles.
Despite being debatable, visualizing face as a form of currency provides an interesting lens through which to examine crab mentality in Asian communities. Much like any valuable asset, currency must be earned, safeguarded, and strategically utilized. Losses, even those meant for long-term gains, are approached with caution and calculation. Consequently, individuals strive to enhance their reputation while using criticism to diminish the face of others.
The concept of face is deeply tied to education and parenting, playing a role in fostering crab mentality. Asian children are often raised to prioritize self-achievement above personal aspirations, adhering to predetermined paths for the “greater good” of the family. This emphasis on collective reputation often comes at the cost of individual dreams, reinforcing a mindset where personal success is weighed against familial expectations.
Parenting can affect mindsets, a reflection on Tiger Moms (Image source: Mims On The Move)
Indeed this is a generalized claim that leaves certain minorities for speculation, but the interplay between face and sacrifice is crucial in understanding the environment Asian children grow up. Literary works like Truyện Kiều (Tales of Kieu), a renowned Vietnamese poem, highlight traditional ideals through terms like cầm-kỳ-thi-họa—the four virtues defining a successful woman. Similarly, the stereotype of Asian children being expected to become doctors or lawyers has become a familiar cultural reference in contemporary discourse.
No parents want their children to grow up as bad people. Hence, it would be injudicious to blame parents and the system for a negative societal mentality. Yet, there are certain repercussions to sacrificing a child’s dream in return for a destined path to greatness. This leads to the third facet of crab mentality in Asian communities: A ramification for every child following the same success path means comparison and competition.
Let’s revisit Steven He’s joke: Timmy is used as a benchmark for comparison. The only way for Steven to save face is by climbing the same ladder and offering Timmy a similar spiteful insult. This vicious cycle of comparison fuels crab mentality within families, peers, and the broader community. True to reality, Asian students often spend countless hours in extra classes and clubs to meet rigorous expectations. Tiger moms push their children to excel in every class as if their lives depend on it. There is no middle ground—you’re either a winner or a failure.
This brings us to the final facet: the absence of praise and apologies. Ironically, according to BBC and Vocal Media, Asia is home to some of the politest people in the world, with countries like Japan and Thailand leading the way. Despite this, hierarchy plays a pivotal role in relationship dynamics. To save face, many Asian parents rarely offer praise to their children. Astonishingly, when it comes to apologies, parents often go to great lengths to defend their actions rather than acknowledge their mistakes.
A similar response can be seen in Asian workplaces, where higher-ups are more inclined to criticize and are far out of reach from their team members. Individuals will praise their peers and colleagues in hopes of receiving similar treatment instead of actual commemoration. Workers often segregate themselves into teams of interest to promote one another instead of collaborating as a group. These groups create outcasts who, despite their talents, are looked down upon and have their accomplishments taken or snuffed out by negative criticisms. This reluctance to give praise and apologize reinforces a mindset of self-achievement above all else. At first glance, mentality such as these are not wrong, but they leave cracks for detrimental thoughts of arrogance and selfishness – ultimately sustaining the crab mentality.
While this article explores the crab mentality within the Asian community, it is important to recognize that this negative mindset is not exclusive to any one group—it exists everywhere. The concepts of face, self-achievement, competitiveness, community, and sacrifice are what make Asian heritage unique and beautiful. This work argues that these cultural elements are not the root cause of the crab mentality, but rather, insights into why such a mindset may emerge.
Credits: Patricia Ratulangi Vice President, Global Communications Nielsen
In recent years, food shows featuring Asian chefs and cuisines have seen a surge in popularity, capturing the attention of diverse audiences around the globe. This trend highlights the growing appetite for cultural representation and inclusivity in entertainment. As we celebrate Lunar New Year—a holiday deeply rooted in food traditions—it’s the perfect time to reflect on how Asian representation in food media resonates with viewers and drives mass viewership.
Food shows featuring Asian chefs and cuisines highlight cultural diversity, resonating with audiences and driving viewership, especially during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Food shows stand out as a medium where culture, tradition, and storytelling intersect seamlessly. Programs like Top Chef, which has featured contestants such as Melissa King and Hung Huynh, and The Great American Recipe, where home cooks celebrate diverse culinary heritages, showcase the rich variety of Asian cuisines and the personal narratives behind them. These stories invite viewers to connect with the cultural roots and contemporary adaptations of dishes they may have never experienced before.
2024 Viewing Minutes
Asian
Total U.S.
Top Chef
458.0 million
5.7 billion
The Great American Recipe
9.8 million
84.5 million
Chrissy & Dave Dine Out
9.2 million
61.4 million
Dinner Time Live with David Chang
67.4 million
430.1 million
Source: Nielsen audience measurement: Jan 1 – Nov 30, 2024
Lunar New Year exemplifies the central role food plays in cultural celebration. From dumplings symbolizing wealth to fish representing prosperity, the holiday is a sensory feast steeped in meaning. By spotlighting Asian chefs and their innovative approaches to dishes that represent their heritage, food shows bridge the gap between cultural nuance and modern audiences.
A Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) tray filled with traditional Vietnamese dishes for Lunar New Year, symbolizing happiness and peace.
The success of Asian-centered food programming aligns with broader audience preferences for authenticity. Nielsen data reveals that 63% of viewers are more likely to support brands and content creators that authentically represent diverse communities. For mass audiences, this means a greater willingness to engage with shows that go beyond superficial portrayals and offer genuine insights into Asian culinary arts.
The viewership data highlights the significant appeal of food shows among both Asian audiences and the broader U.S. audience, underscroring the growing đemand for authentic, inclusive food shows that celebrate diverse cultures.
As Lunar New Year festivities fill homes with the aroma of traditional dishes, the increasing visibility of Asian representation in food shows reminds us of the universal power of food to connect people across cultures—one dish, one story at a time.
Navigating one’s cultural identity is confusing, especially in a diverse nation like the United States (US). One minute, you proudly claim that heritage of yours, and two seconds later, you feel as if your identity were the main character of a roast party. That carries on to the parents, who face the challenges of keeping their children connected to their roots amidst the complexities of a multicultural society.
As a Chinese parent, Michele Wong McSween knows this all too well. By the time Michele became a mother, the pressure of teaching her children Mandarin had only grown stronger. That gave birth to “Gordon & Li Li,” a series of books designed to make learning Mandarin and connecting with Chinese culture fun and approachable for kids.
Michele Wong McSween cleverly dilutes the weight of this language in her new upcoming books, Gordon & Li Li: Celebrate Chinese New Year Coloring & Activity Book and All About Me, inspiring families to embrace their heritage, one book at a time.
Throwback New Year
Back in her early Lunar New Year days, Michele would help her mother decorate the house with blossoms, prepare lucky foods, and then gather at her grandparent’s home for a joyful dinner celebration. And what’s Lunar New Year without the iconic Hong Bao (red envelopes) and the sounds of familial peals of laughter? It was these little moments with her family that developed a lifelong passion for Chinese culture and language.
But the mounting pressure of growing up and starting a family soon dawned on her the challenges of instilling that same cultural pride in her children. “As a fourth-generation Chinese American, I didn’t grow up with the gift of language, and I found the books that existed to be intimidating, old-fashioned, and uninspiring,” she says. “How could I expect my children to get excited about learning a language when I wasn’t even inspired to?”
The Birth of Gordon & Li Li
The struggles to find suitable and engaging resources for her kids to learn Mandarin inspired Gordon & Li Li, a children’s book series that takes readers on the journey of two main characters, Gordon and Li Li. Mandarin Chinese is already a tough language, let alone studying it like a daily chore. So, she created her own educational books that blend entertainment and cultural values while adapting to modern technology, making these lessons more engaging and accessible.
The initial concept was to become the “go-to” board book series for families eager to introduce their little ones to Mandarin and Chinese culture. Within three years, I self-published three books, but as my children grew older and their learning needs changed, I knew I had to create something that could grow and engage with them in this next phase. Seeing how much they loved learning on an iPad, I entered the technology world and created and launched the Gordon & Li Li: Learn Animals in Mandarin app on iTunes in 2012.
Recognizing the challenges she faced while teaching her children Mandarin, she came up with the idea for “Gordon & Li Li” – a fun and engaging book series to help children learn Mandarin.
For all the grand visions, there lie the grappling challenges Michele must balance: being both a full-time mother and a founder. Her working hours began when her children went to bed, often ending late into the night, only for her to start the day all over again. Not coincidentally, these burdens are further intensified by her lack of experience in publishing, marketing, or business management.
As a mom of three boys, the hardest part was trying to find the time and energy to spend on G&L while balancing the demands of motherhood. My work day wouldn’t begin until the boys were in bed. I’d clean the house, spend a few hours on G&L, go to bed by 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., then start the day all over again. On top of that, with no training in publishing, marketing, or running a small business, I often felt like I’d take one step forward and 100 steps back.
In those moments, the fleeting thoughts of giving up are already tempting enough. Despite this, her commitment and perseverance led her on a fortress path. Better still, the “heartfelt” feedback she received along the way has proven to be highly worthy and rewarding. After all, trees will bear fruits—and her fruits can help sustain many following generations on the heritage tree.
Sixteen years in, and I’m finally learning to embrace the challenges as opportunities to grow instead of seeing them as failures. I’ve surrounded myself with a supportive network and a strong community, and I’ve become more patient with myself as I learn new skills. I’ve also learned to practice self-care because self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential!
Michele Wong McSween continues growing this age-old tree of Chinese heritage through her two upcoming books, each offering a unique and engaging way for children to learn Mandarin.
Gordon & Li Li: Celebrate Chinese New Year Coloring & Activity Book and the Impact of Lunar New Year and Family
Michele’s work shows an emphasis on family, which is placed at the forefront in many Asian households. Her upcoming book Celebrate Chinese New Year Coloring & Activity Book is a reflective extension of that value, whereas Lunar New Year has always been traditionally associated with family gatherings. “My favorite childhood memories of Lunar New Year were the source of inspiration for Gordon & Li Li:Celebrate Chinese New Year,” she says. “These core memories have inspired me to continue the traditions with my own children and through my book. I hope that families everywhere can enjoy celebrating Lunar New Year, whether they’re reconnecting with their heritage like me, or learning about it for the first time.”
With the Celebrate Chinese New Year Activity Book, I hope to bring the fun and festive traditions of the Lunar New Year to children through interactive, hands-on activities. I specifically designed it to engage with kids as they grow. From simple coloring and matching activities to more challenging ones like Chinese Character Search, Crosswords, and Find the Differences. This book has something for everyone and helps connect children of all ages to the excitement and significance of the New Year.
Michele’s upcoming book, Celebrate Chinese New Year Coloring & Activity Book, reflects her childhood memories of Lunar New Year and aims to engage children of all ages with interactive activities.
Exploring Body Awareness With Gordon & Li Li: All About Me
Gordon & Li Li: All About Me, on the other hand, tackles something closer and more physical, introducing young readers to parts of the body through Mandarin. Illustrated with playful and colorful artwork, each page opens a world of body parts such as fingers, toes, and shoulders. Basic words like “fingers” (手指, shǒu zhǐ) and “toes” (脚趾, jiǎo zhǐ) are demonstrated in fun and engaging ways with real-life examples to help children apply the words to their everyday activities. For example, “I am counting my ‘shǒu zhǐ’” or “Li Li is dancing ballet on her ‘jiǎo zhǐ.’”
Gordon & Li Li: All About Me introduces young readers to body parts in Mandarin, using playful illustrations and real-life examples to teach words.
This thoughtful approach allows children not only to learn new words but also to develop an early connection to body awareness and confidence. The simple, portable layout makes it perfect for children to carry wherever they go. And that’s not all! As the book comes to the last page, children can also practice singing along to the childhood anthem “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” in Mandarin, creating a fun and memorable activity for young readers.
Celebrate With Special Giveaways and Events
The journey is long, yet, the fruits are arriving. Landing a deal with Scholastic and building connections with talented individuals within the AAPI community has been inspiring and defining in her growth, professionally and culturally.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the pride in my sons’ faces and the deeper cultural connection we’ve built as a family through this shared experience. It fills my heart with pride knowing that Gordon & Li Li connects us as a family and it inspires me to continue creating something meaningful for my boys—and for families everywhere.
In celebration of her new book’s release, Michele Wong McSween is hosting exciting Lunar New Year events and giveaways! These events are perfect opportunities for families to explore the books in-depth, enjoy a range of interactive activities, and learn more about Chinese culture and language. Stay tuned to AHN or Michele’s social media (mentioned below) for more updates on the giveaway!
Yet, Michele’s vision does not stop there. She shares that another book is already in the works, called Gordon & Li Li: ABC’s in NYC, set to launch in time for AAPI Heritage Month! This exciting new book will introduce children to learning their ABCs while exploring Gordon’s hometown, New York City.
“Hustle is more than just work, it is a movement that can change the world,” Jason Chan, Chief of Staff to AT&T President of the West Region and Director of External Affairs.
Inspired by the hustle, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of his family and the first generation of Asian American immigrants, Jason felt a profound calling to make a difference for his community. This passion led him to a career in government affairs and advocacy, where he focuses on fostering collaboration between government entities, corporations, and organizations to create policies that truly support and uplift the communities they serve.
A Tale of Challenge and Inspiration
“I’ve been inspired by the countless stories of resilience and perseverance within our community,” states Jason. As a member of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, he is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to honor the legacy of those who paved the way before him—laying the groundwork for future generations.
Jason emphasizes that success is rarely a linear journey, and challenges are an inevitable part of the process. One of the most significant obstacles in his career has been navigating roles where AANHPIs are underrepresented, particularly in decision-making positions. This lack of representation has required Jason to work even harder to demonstrate his value, advocate for diversity, and ensure that the AANHPI community receives the recognition it deserves.
What helped Jason overcome these challenges was leaning on a strong network of allies and mentors who believed in his vision and capabilities. He came to see setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for learning, growth, and redefining what’s possible. Jason firmly believes that the key to overcoming hardships lies in surrounding yourself with people who inspire, uplift, and challenge you to reach your fullest potential.
“During my time as Appointments Secretary for then-Mayor Gavin Newsom, it wasn’t always easy to challenge existing systems and push for diverse appointments. But I stayed committed to my belief that representation matters, and over time, those efforts led to tangible changes in the city’s leadership.” Jason exclaims.
The experience further solidified Jason’s conviction in the power of creating spaces for diverse voices and perspectives. It served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change becomes achievable when people unite and collaborate. With this belief at heart, Jason remains dedicated to his mission of uplifting others and dismantling the barriers that hinder progress.
Jason believes that overcoming hardships lies in surrounding yourself with people who inspire, uplift, and challenge you to reach your fullest potential.
From Dreams to Success
Jason has achieved numerous milestones, including being named Chairman of both the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) and the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute (CAPILCI). These prestigious positions highlight his dedication to advocating for the representation and equity of the AANHPI community. Through these roles, Jason has been able to directly influence policies at both the national and state levels while fostering leadership development for the next generation.
In his current role at AT&T, Jason has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the AANHPI and LGBTQ+ communities through strategic partnerships, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and advocating for initiatives and policies that promote diversity and inclusion. His efforts have resulted in stronger connections, increased visibility for underrepresented groups, and meaningful investments in fostering equity and inclusion. However, Jason’s proudest accomplishment lies in the mentorship and guidance he has provided to emerging leaders, helping to shape the next generation of changemakers.
Jason shares with Asian Hustle Network, “Never underestimate the power of your story and the impact you can make. Our journeys, no matter how humble or challenging, hold immense value. They shape who we are and inspire others to dream bigger and aim higher.”
For Jason, the most rewarding achievement of his journey is witnessing the leaders he has mentored make meaningful contributions to their communities and careers. To him, success is not measured by personal accolades but by the impact one has on others and the legacy of opportunities created for future generations.
Success and the Journey Ahead
Jason’s vision is to create pathways that empower individuals to reach their full potential and, in turn, give back to their communities. He is dedicated to uplifting the Asian community by ensuring policies and decisions reflect our stories, perspectives, and needs. Through his work, he hopes to inspire others to take bold steps toward achieving greater representation and making their voices heard.
Jason affirms, “Let’s continue to hustle—not just for our personal ambitions, but for the collective success of our community. Together, we can create a future where every voice is heard, every dream is supported, and every barrier is broken.”
