The audience sees the crossing out of the word “Asian” out of the title, “Making of an Asian American from Asian to an American.”
The documentary reinforces the fresh view that Asian Americans should view themselves as Americans first, and then embrace their Asian culture second. As the documentary progresses, not so subtle questions are being asked regarding racial classifications. Why not say t
hat we are “American Korean” instead of “Korean American?” More importantly, the documentary questions nationalities that emphasize ethnic classification into Korean American, Chinese American, Japanese American, and other groups. The audience is left to wonder why we don’t generally use classifications like German American, Irish American, English American, or even White American. Ironically, the documentary shows that the questioning of these issues out in the open is truly being an American. This appears to be a simple documentary, but when you watch it, the documentary punches you in the face. It is not a typical Asian American film, as portrayed in the traditional Hollywood films.
