growing up in the 80's and 90's as an Asian-North American we were definitely treated that way. I'm a little younger than John Cho, but remember all the remarks my older brothers and myself received. We were even subject to people spitting on us just because we were asian. Hard truths of growing up in that environment.

I am not asian but as a black man, this video hits me a certain way. I truly can relate and I will always support the fung brothers. You guys rock.

I had a more unorthodox Asian dad. He came here with his family as a kid and got bullied so bad he basically encouraged me to fight back if things got violent. Weird to know a Buddhist that wants you to hit people. He literally put me into Tae Kwon do and karate specifically to fight and not because of the whole discipline thing. How our parents were raised has a big influence on our views towards these issues.

Bobby Lee is definitely part of the problem

Being born and growing up here as an American Asian Hmong male and being educated was and still is very hard. There are many managers in the workforce not wanting an Asian American Male to advance in thier career vs others, even with the same skill set, degree and intellect level. It's effing sad and it's effing unfair. Still, I will fight in the shade and eventho I am American, I am Proud AF to be Asian!!!

Ronny Chieng got that anger, and he's not even Asian-American.

Said it before and I’ll say it again, Fung Bros keepin it real

As a non Asian, I agree about the observation that Asians always seem to compete with one another and never elevate. I follow black and Latino podcasts like the Platica and I notice that when those people come up, they always give back to the community and impart advice to be successful. It always seems that Asians always try to gatekeep success from each other which seems rather hoarder like and gives off that lack of camaraderie you mentioned

this really resonates with me. Thank you Fung Bros

I’m the same age as John Cho and of course that stigma was always there in media. Unfortunately Asian women were complicit with it too at times (eg Joy Luck Club). As adults though, we had to just focus on our lives. Yes, there can be needle movers like Bruce Lee, but in our everyday realities, we can only focus on being the best husbands, fathers, friends, leaders, workers we can be. We can move the needle in our own personal ways. Just live life. Im a big lifelong boxing fan and I like to train on the heavy bag at the gym. I just love it and don’t think about anything else. Maybe others around me may think, “Damn, that Asian dude is destroying that heavy bag!” LOL, just live life and let things take care of themselves.

Yo..u guys so have it down. Love all that was said here. So true. I hope your fight for Asian Americans will pay off.

When he said “pickle ball squad” 😂. Call to arm to take over the pickle ball court.

Really like the point that some Asians don't seem to want to acknowledge some of the struggles. Not talking about it doesn't make you above it. And it certainly prevents you from facing it.

I agree with John Cho. I grew up with it. I'm first generation immigrant coming to America as a child in 1973. I grew up feeling ashamed. I believed being an enlisted soldier and later an infantry officer would give me a sense of acceptance. No matter how much good I tried to do, I hit alot of resistance. It wasn't until I moved to Japan (due to a job transfer) that I actually had pride of my background. This generation I feel has it better with the current technology and education. All that I can do is to move forward and advance. Always advance.

Generally speaking Asian women can get accepted by the white community easier for the most part. Don’t we all know some Asian women that dont associate with Asians, married white in white neighborhoods. I don’t blame them (probably winning at life) but Asian men have to deal with being perceived as foreign for life. I think John Cho is correct in many ways. We can point to outliers of course but speaking about the average Asian male. I think Asian men become experts in not dealing or contemplating this. Perhaps that’s a better approach than seeing themselves as victims.

at my work accidental racism is so annoying. My boss knew I was Vietnamese but paired me with a chinese women because she assumed we spoke the same language. And when I told her we spoke different languages from completely separate language families she looked super confused.

Yeah brah, the cohesiveness and incredible coordination that we have back at home just suddenly disappears once you go overseas.

I’m an Asian man. African American girls always showed me love in grade school to high school. (I grew up in the 80s-90s.) I was a band nerd too and got really messed up feeling so emasculated. I spent the past 10 years living outside of the USA mostly in SE Asia; my experiences there have helped me regain the confidence I never had growing up in Tallahassee, Florida. (At that time there were 300 kids in my school and 4 Asians.) But what’s funny is that most of the high end consumer brands advertising in Asia feature white men and Asians associate that with better quality. But yea I think it can be eye opening for Asian American men to go have some experiences in Asian countries. I also spent 5 years pursing acting in LA (2007-2012) and noticed even the asian men auditioning at the time was very competitive too. But I left because the roles I was going out for felt so emasculating. In fact I booked more jobs when I was fat and nerdy. I think having this clenched fist and deep resentments for being so emasculated can be a strong motivator to finally decide to stop taking sh*t from people. But at same time I am very much aware of an inferiority complex that has made me behave in some cowardly ways as well. Anyways thanks for talking about these issues. I never had anyone to simply reflect my experiences back to me as a kid and I think podcasts like this can help a young asian American kid somewhere feel less alone. 🙏✨🙌

This is a good topic guys keep it up. 🙏🙏

To fellow Asian guys, just switch on Asian media and unleash your inner power.

Good convo as always gentlemen. Very insightful

Great take! Scarlet letter feels harsh but agree directionally. Asian American dude def need to work together more. I don’t often feel like other AA guys are my opponents but also don’t feel the support. So more the absence of support than the direct opposition

The Asian men from JustKiddingNews (JK News), and many others out there will definitely disagree with you and John Cho.

Sorry about the long rant, but this is really crazy for me to hear. I'm 52 and totally understand what John Cho is talking about. I grew up in and live in SoCal, but in areas I was the only or one of a handful of Asian guys (yes....very different for guys and girls) everywhere I grew up and in the 70's and 80's. I've always been tall and "look very Korean" so I couldn't blend in and realized I couldn't so I tried even more to stand out and I did. Playing sports, being a student and community leader helped, but I still grew up pretty angry and ready to lash out which I did many times. Two things really changed my perspective and outlook. One, all of the Korean guys fighting other Korean guys I saw during college in the early 90's; which just made me laugh and something I never wanted to be a part of, which my Korean friends didn't understand and now being a dad and my sons being shocked at my road rage up until only a few years ago....I am still embarrassed when they joke about a certain over-the-top incident they remember when they were toddlers and that really made me reflect. Growing up how I did and seeing the stupidity of Koreans fighting other Koreans and also being a dad has calmed me down. Of course there's God, my amazing wife, and now a daughter so there's a ton of blessings. I'm a "legit" 6'1" always weigh between 208 and 212 pounds and fit. I'm in the best shape of my life, exercising & training with my teenage boys and another funny thing is that the stronger I get and the more training in martial arts, I get calmer and calmer each day. Thanks for your content and insight Fung Bros...you guys are great!

Very interesting 🙌

I definitely see your point of view. But at the same time it's 2023. I've been seeing so many more non Asian women coming forward with their love for Asian guys or at least being more open minded along with a stronger presence in the media if that counts for anything. Agreed, we are underrated but we just have to keep our chins high and move forward. My only critique to my fellow Asian brothers is that I've seen quite a few who don't put enough effort into how they look and expressing themselves.

Anger should be converted into self motivation for improvement, never for ideas of revenge or retaliation

We fear being rejected because we know we cannot exist alone - however, the level of independence and dependency is different for each of us. The more self sufficient and capable a person is the less we fear being rejected because we know how valuable we are. The question is then - Why do I need you? Why should I care what you think? Or why should you care what I think? In the long run how sustainable am I? As I have gotten older I have learnt that physical and mental health must be the core of any sustainable position that can established. Without your health or without mental compentency - there can be no sustainable position.

Bro you guys are on point with this topic. 💯

Also it helps when you follow Asian media and help the Asian communities in the US. Follow everyone who is Asian American (ones who are destroying the stereotypes) and strive to be that. Social media is what changes the mind of people who are into it.

Years ago, I met him before the Harold & Kumar movies. He didn't have much personality and was working at the time with the East West Players in L.A.. I guess he can be more selective with the roles he takes now. While some asian actors like Mike Hagiwara are still struggling in his '60s.

It's not just in the USA. In europe too asian descents are treated the same

Yes, us growing up in and around gangs or were athletes always stood up for ourselves and set a good example of how to own your ethnicity. As a result there was very little racial tension around me nor internalised racism, there was respect, and we could date out of race. It's even easier now compared to the 90s, early 00s. Sure your race/culture is still a talking point but you can feel the vibe when they are trying to celebrate your difference rather than otherize you. Don't take offence and share it with pride. I recommend Asian men learn to be a little less humble or reserved even just jokingly. It's not the way to connect or garner respect in the West. They'll just think you're cold and distant.

As an Chinese American man, I can feel for any asian American man who lived in racist western worlds. Also asian mindset is to just hold everything in and forget about it. Just saying, that shit don’t work in western countries. Be more vocal about it and be more up front. It’s the only way to have change. It might be hard and awkward to do due to the Eastern Brain and the Western Brain colliding in all of us Asian men, but just gotta go for it. Be advocate and support one another. It’s the only way

I’m from Boston I’ve been playing ice hockey all my life not so I got in a fight almost every day went to army but I don’t remember nobody really challenge me face to face. My background is 100% Mongolian.

Damn...given the novels and bios for all the comments...this def struck a nerve. Lol

Progress on this issue for Asians in the hood is almost non-existent. It's still as hard as it was decades ago.

I didn’t even have to think about what people think of me..I stand my ground and maintain masculinity. I guess Asian are known to be educated..but how about educated and looking jacked and maintain masculinity?

in vancouver canada, i think its not the case

I agree because there is zero respect for us as alpha males. Asians can be heros too.

Love what y'all do, but you y'all need to turn down the politeness and turn up the hard truth. All this beating around the bush and playing mediator doesn't resonate with the audience.

Can you guys talk about that last piece about Asian American guys not working well with each other? I’ve noticed it too and I thought it was just me.

I'm a self-ascribed, good-looking chinese/filipino guy who grew up in a white SoCal neighborhood, and I confirm the experienced racism.

Anger is better because it comes with energy that can support the struggle -- while feeling helpless will cause one to give up and create sadness and depression which puts one at risk when one is being oppressed. This is a fight or flight situation. To live hope is necessary and anger is needed to fight the wrongs of life. disclosure - I am 63 going on 64 years old - and I remember Chinese people being hated by both blacks and whites in school. I also remember the existence of a social class in Chinatown - where children of poorer working class families were looked down upon too. It was a real rat race back then - the type of nastiness was not just wrt to race but sex and how wealthy one's family was.

As an Asian male that has been shamed from both side of the American and Asian. I have decided to just be proud of me without the need of a label to bee in a "group". so, I'd appreciate it if you didn't shame people for chosing to not identity strongly just b/c of the color of my skin.

He's 50 years old? When did that happen?

I'm asian but I am racially ambiguous. I have deep set eyes, which most other Asian guys do not have. I'm tan too and people confuse me for Mexican all the time. Many Asians don't see me as asian and don't wanna associate with me. I've tried so many asian meet ups or groups at my university and they just don't like to hang out with me. I get along better with white or Mexican people... even black people love me

Anger is a gift.

The stamp is fading because of Korean dramas and K-pop being more popular in America nowadays. Those Korean men are FINE (attractive) & successful. They’re slowly changing the image of Asian males.

It’s as good as it gets rn. 😂

Fung Bros make some great points. When you’re born and raised in America, you are American. I’m as American as anyone else, we say. I’m as American as apple pie, we proclaim. We feel entitled to the same treatment as white Americans because we’re “basically white,” many say. But this entitled outlook will only lead to disappointment and identity issues. Why? Because we aren’t seen as white by Caucasians. This is a hard truth for many Asian Americans to accept. Might as well respect the heritage while embracing being American. You will be more confident and comfortable in you own skin.

David you gotta let andrew speak man you're like carmelo right now

As an Asian-Canadian guy who is average in pretty much every respect (5'9, 60k/year income, in shape but not built, etc.). I overall do quite well. I'm a homeowner, married to a wife most ppl find attractive, a father to a young daughter, stable finances, etc. Maybe things are harder on Asian guys in the US compared to Canada, but I don't really feel opressed or marginilized. I know lots of white guys that have it harder than me. Just be the best person/husband/father/employee you can be, and people will usually respect you. Definitely don't be an angry jaded incel tho. That never works no matter what race you are.

this video really hit the spot its so sad how much asian men are bullied and pushed in this society and its very consistent and constant thing.... I will give you an example.... just look at my screen name, I had to change it because I used to use my Asian name, and any comment I make, lets say I say DUNE is a great movie! Right away some A hole would comment, did you even understand the movie? is Dune even allowed in CHINA? If I just say Game of Thrones is really good.... right away its bullying comments... shut up you lonely asian nerd you just watch Game of Thrones to whack off to Emilia Clark. This is just a small example, I can go on and on and on.... its consistent from the moment I wake up till I close my eyes at night. And I feel bad for my Asian brothers.... life sucks life aint great for you/us.

Be so good they cannot ignore you. Throughout history men are measured by what they can do. Use their bs comments and slights as fuel to push yourself harder.

I am an African American woman that is married to a Korean American man and I apologize for any bullying or harassment that any Asian man has received

My squad is Asian of all ethnicities and some other races sprinkled in.

Both nailed it right there at around 10:08. Friends are chosen family. This is something straight-cis folks, esp men can learn from the queer community. If your family is not supportive, they’re toxic, they compare you to others and don’t value you for you - build your own supportive community. Real friends, in real life. Also, contrary to what most Asian cultures think, *strong people go to therapy.* It takes courage to address head on what is making you angry/depressed/hateful/spiteful than to repress it or spew hate in online forums and comments. All the best everyone

Look how much random hate Simu Liu gets. Even the mcu stars can't get a break

Korean here born in Argentina and raised in Brazil. Same age as John. I 1000% relate with with him. Been bullied my whole life. At one point, it's gotten so bad in school that I snapped, kicked the bully between his legs so hard, one of his testicles busted, needless to say he's incapable of fathering a child and got myself expelled from middle school, my father neither condemned or congratulate me. The kids parents sued my parents and paid $1200 as medical and reparations, this was in the 80's, back then$1200 was a lot of money, even for 3rd country standards. Am I sorry??? Sometimes...will I encourage my 11 boy to stand his ground? Absofuckinglutely. Iused bebcalled chinito and jap every day in case you're curious...

David take a deep breath. I felt winded listening to this. Andrew speak UP 😂 🫶🏿

Shohei Ohtani doing good

Man, as one of those Asian guys who isn't part of the Asian community and originally from nyc - the Asian community didn't want me to be part of them. I'm an outsider. I'm mixed. Race just isn't part of my community. It is, however, part of my experience. I experienced similar racism as John Cho. I didn't get that community from anyone. Instead, I had to go my own way. That said, things are getting much better. I have 10 year old boys, and we live in Georgia. Race isn't a thing here for the kids. My kids get home lunch, and my wife is half Japanese, while I'm half Chinese. She's sent them to school everyday with Japanese style bento boxes, and the teachers are jealous. The other kids don't react like kids back in the day would. So just keep on.

Being angry is never the answer. Its unfortunate circumstances (coming from an African American Black woman) but you really just have to put in the work to make peoples opinions change from our pasts and what has happened to our Ancestors. Like you boys The Hot Pot Boys thats why I LOVE and watch Fung Bros because its sooooooo different and insightful the stuff I like and LOVE coming from marginalized people just like me =)) LOVE YOU BOYS CONTINUE WITH THE GREAT WORK CANT WAIT TO SEE MORE FROM YOU ALL!!!!! =D

I'm a 65 year old half-Chinese (Chinese father) born in the US. I think some of it is our culture, at least Chinese. I recall being told when I was young that being social and having social skills wasn't important, that studying hard, working hard what was important, that good things would come if you worked hard. But of course, there was a lot of racism also.

I think this culture of competition goes quite deep. If you look at the motherland: China, Korea etc.... we see examples of intense academic competitions, high stack examinations, and intense commerical competitions etc... I look at other races, and cultures, I don't see this intense competition. Also, most Asian families don 't really have a culture of love. Asians don 't say "i love you son" etc... This is going to cause a lot of problems for personal development like being able to express vulnerability, and being open to intimacy.

John Cho still hot... that is all.

should have interviewed George Takei for his wisdom if you are talking about generational struggle.

He is right

Damn im that asian guy David was talkiing bout, born in america that doesnt feel the social untouchable scarlet letter social pressure. Good looking asian guy in California (but im half white filipino and spanish). Im in the bubble so did not have that negative pressure, however I get love all over the world and mistaken for puertorican lightskinned. I got that social white priveldge and you know what its ok to admit that, if you have an advantage its no use being in denial that those unfair treatments exist. But im tapped in trying to understand yalls struggle, so I keep up with the channel keeps me informed on subconsious social issues. Keep your heads up asian bros we in it together, us lightskin halfus whatever you want to call it are with you.

Being half Korean I have not experienced Asian Men being considered social untouchable. I was in a Fraternity when I was in college in the 90s in the Midwest of all places that was all white, but I do think we in considered undesirable in the dating scene because of the stenotypes of Asian men being nerdy and geeky.

what up my yellow brothers

Except, when you immigrate to the US from say, Canada, Europe, etc, I don't think they have the same experience as what Asians and their descendants experience, even those from Africa don't have issues like those from Asia.

Yes. I'm an Asian man and I somehow agreed.

I am an African American woman artist, and just because I draw and paint women of Japanese nativity and ancestry don’t mean that I see men of Asian nativity and ancestry as anywhere near “inferior”, effeminate or any less valuable than their female counterparts. ⭐️💜🌹

Listening to this it seems asians I america have a much different experience then those of us in Canada.

Stamp…100%. Yellow Peril never waned and STILL hasn’t.

I go through. This all the time and I'm white have native American. When I was a kid growing up I am so more agree with people at age 58 I have know trust in know one

systematic racism, it happens to everyone, racism even happens in everyone's own cultures too. cheers.

Asian American need to get a president or some 4 star general

This is a good message for blacks too tbh

John Cho is 50yo? Dang son, that's what's up. On the positive side, some guys need to take that aggression and hit the gym like the brothers suggested. Don't be a Sith lord.

1:26 He's 5'10 though. 😄

Chines helped build the intercontinental rail road that’s 1870 so 50 years😢

No, nothing has changed

I remember watching John Cho on an episode of HOUSE M.D. where he played this pathetic guy who was into getting beat up by a woman and his parents thinking he was a freak and kicked him out/disowned him... that ep really didn't do a lot to help how people view asian males

A Glock retails between $500-700 . A psa dagger goes for $300 . $1000 if you include the a.r bundle

Hey, move to Denver, Denver has highest population in Mongolians Denver, Colorado everybody afraid of Mongolians.

To all ASian Americans, if you want respect you first need to have unity within Asia in general. We need to stop promoting conflicts in Asia in order to allow Asia to grow and become a combined superpower bloc. If you dont have a strong Asian nation, then Asian Americans will lose more respect. Just look at what happened to the native americans as a perfect example. Time for Asian in Asia to unite against western hegemony.

Filipinos have the best camaraderie… when I see other Vietnamese guys they act all stuck up and shit. I’m sayin to myself “bro let’s be cool” nah…

Asian women feel it too but in a much different manner - also, don’t equate being able to date and marry outside your race with being accepted.

The few things that I personally find problematic with Asian men is that (1) they are extremely competitive in just about anything when up against another Asian to the point of doing very dishonorable things to get what they want.(2) SOME Asian men do not handle success or failure well...if they're successful then they look down on other Asians who are not successful and tend to mistreat and belittle them and (3) if they fail in an endeavor that would uplift their social status( because social status seems to mean everything) they tend to spiral into a deep depression...they feel like they've failed not only themselves but their family and it seems like it's hard for them to come back from...its like they're very weak minded...at least that's my impression respectively... as I said earlier... SOME Asian men not all Asian men.

Interesting topic but I don't think asian people got it anymore harder than african americans. Asian people have a strong community. Keep looking forward. One good point andrew said was that the definition of being american keeps changing.

Y’all sound like black peoples maybe we not so different 😂

If you're Proud AF to be Asian! Thumbs up 👍 this comment!!!!! Right Now!!! If not shut up!

#chaurule!

We've been here longer than 50 years.

Asian guys aren't aggressive, that's why

Bobby rook rook, I’m American

Grew up in late 70"s through early 90's. Black and always thought Asians folk could fight. Quiet ass kickers, lol. I'm black and watched Kung Fu's in my childhood. Also, saw a few ass whipping quiet Asian gave people.