Why do Asians really get straight A's? - Project Gutenberg Consortia ...
Why do Asians really get straight A's? - Project Gutenberg Consortia ...
Why do Asians really get straight A's? - Project Gutenberg Consortia ...
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Johnson.”<br />
Gabriel turns his head and gives me a smile. “ You're actually funny for once,<br />
I smile back. It's always fun driving with Gabriel. I still remember the time when we first<br />
met. It was all the way back in elementary school. His parents moved here from Japan to start<br />
a furniture business, and he didn't speak much English when he got here. Actually, he didn't<br />
speak any English at all, now that I think about it. I had to show him around school and take<br />
him everywhere. I actually didn't like him at first because he was a FOB, seriously fresh off<br />
the boat. But we got along and we ended up hanging out a lot. I would always go over to his<br />
house to play Ninten<strong>do</strong>. Back then, the Japanese had the newest games to hit the market. So<br />
Gabriel made a lot of new friends in no time, because of that Ninten<strong>do</strong>. He was funny as a kid,<br />
too, and even made fun of himself for being a foreigner. That's the thing about Gabriel; he's<br />
always up for a laugh.<br />
But I hate it whenever he makes fun of me for not being able to speak my native<br />
language, since I was born here in California. I keep telling him that the reason I can't speak<br />
my native language is because my parents never taught it to me. And the reason that they<br />
never taught it to me is because they're afraid that if I had any hint of a foreign accent, then I<br />
wouldn't be able to <strong>get</strong> a good job. He says that's stupid and I totally agree with him. In fact,<br />
most <strong>Asians</strong> born in America can't speak their native language, because their parents are so<br />
scared of an accent ruining their chances of becoming a <strong>do</strong>ctor or lawyer. And you already<br />
know why Asian parents want their kids to become <strong>do</strong>ctors and lawyers. Asian parents are<br />
even willing to sell out their own culture and relegate their native language, all in the name of<br />
money.<br />
“ Dude. How come you never look at your side mirror whenever you're driving? ”<br />
Gabriel suddenly remarks, as I start to change lanes without checking my mirror. He's still in<br />
inspection agent mode.<br />
I decide on another smart-@ss thing to say to him. “ Side mirrors are overrated. It's all<br />
hype. ” I think that's smart-@ss enough— at least stupid enough.<br />
Gabriel gives me a bizarre smirk. “ Overrated? It's a safety device, you idiot. ” I can tell<br />
Gabriel is a little annoyed.<br />
about it.”<br />
“ Nah, side mirrors <strong>really</strong> are overrated, ” I say to him, continuing to smile. “ Don't worry<br />
“ I'm not worried about it. I'm just slightly concerned. ”<br />
We both laugh. Then Gabriel