Comparison: Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans

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A Comparison: Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans Cultural Diversity September 2, 2012 A Comparison: Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans Two of the most common ethnic groups that exist within the United States are Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans. To most Americans, it is somewhat challenging to distinguish between Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans because they have many cultural similarities, physically look alike and have comparable histories. Even though they are very similar, it is important to note that both ethnic groups have differences as well. This essay will outline both the similarities and differences within the Chinese American and Japanese American ethnic groups and how each compares within American society. Many similarities exist between the Chinese American and Japanese American ethnic groups. First, both ethnic groups place a high value on work and education. As such, they are highly educated and hard workers. Schaefer (2012) indicates that 50.20 percent of Chinese Americans graduate from college while 43.70 percent of Japanese Americans do. Both ethnic groups have a significantly higher percentage of college graduates than the White American race does, which boasts a 29.70 percent completion rate (Schaefer, 2012). The high educational level that both the Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans achieve is primarily why both groups have been referred to as model minority groups (Ma, Okubo, Ou, Pituc, Shea & Yeh, 2008). Both Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans do extremely well within the professional workforce as well. Ma, Okubo, Ou, Pituc, Shea and Yeh (2008) reference that half of all Chinese Americans serve in a management or professional role; therefore, citing their strong ability to be entrepreneurs and high skill levels. The same holds true for the Japanese American race.

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