The amount of misconstrued representations of Asians and Asian Americans is so vast that it is difficult to find a place to begin. Described as the model minority - quiet, studious, hard-working, and unthreatening - Asians and Asian Americans work hard, they play classical piano and violin, they compute complex mathematical equations, and study for exams until the information readily flows through their veins. Their destiny ahead calls to them as engineers, doctors, professors, and computer technicians. And somewhere in the mix is a spattering of musicians making music in famous concert halls.

Perhaps, however, as Asians and Asian Americans, we share some responsibility in reemphasizing these misconceptions and misconstructions other people have of our population. We are seen as subservient, harboring a strong yet quiet fortitude when facing discrimination and racial injustice. How often does our anger lash out into serious fist-fighting? We take a deep breath, swallow hard, and walk on. We pretend it didn't happen; we close our eyes and shut our ears.

This characteristic found within our culture has a profound impact on many aspects in our lives and lifestyles. There are many taboo issues such as sex, drugs, and sexuality that are frequently left unmentioned. It is as if in the Asian and Asian American society, they do not exist. If one does not discuss it, it does not happen. But there is no denying that these issues do exist.

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In the Asian and Asian American community, there are no homosexuals or bisexuals. The taboo is not an understatement, but merely a fact.

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American parents realize that once their children reach a certain age, it is time for the "talk." Whether the "talk" is given by one parent or both, by older siblings, or another relative, it is given. In an Asian family, very few children and teenagers get this "talk." Is it merely out of embarrassment or lack of knowledge or the assumption that we will not engage in such reckless behavior for as an Asian, our traditions have taught us what is right?

However, as an Asian and Asian American community, discussions and knowledge should be shared about sex and sexuality. With little information being provided and mouths remaining closed, much precious knowledge is being barred from people who need it.

In the Asian and Asian American community, there are no homosexuals or bisexuals. The taboo is not an understatement, but merely a fact. Discussion on sexual orientation is not touched upon in the community, neither acknowledged nor accepted. As assimilated as each generation gets, many old-fashioned, traditional beliefs and thoughts remain intact, which is why sexuality is still a taboo subject even in later generations. This issue lies behind closed doors in Asia not to mention behind closed doors in America. Homosexuals meet with one another in the shadows. They live in fear of being discovered, fear that their family and friends might find out their secret. Many people end up marrying and leading regular lives - disguising the truth.

In some ways, numerous taboos being placed on Asians and Asian Americans build upon one another. For example, Asian American men are desexualized, the weak, frail man. To say that an Asian American man is gay is perhaps harder for people to swallow. Homosexuals are portrayed as sex-crazed individuals, men who are feminine, and women who are masculine. For an Asian American man, he must battle against these taboos placed on him by society and the fear of his family's reaction to his true sexual identity.