Not Quite Shakespeare. Not Even Close.

August 2006

After much anguish over offering a forum, we're finally featuring an advice column. But unlike others, we're offering 2 points of view. A he and a she, and without further ado...

Dear Romeo & Juliet,

I'm a single Asian female and I've recently started dating a white guy. When my brother found out, he got all upset. And I can tell my parents aren't too pleased either. Why are they acting this way and what should I do?

ROMEO: I think you should dump the white guy already and go back to dating Asian men. We have been getting the short end of the stick since God knows when. In the media, we are portrayed as either effeminate, nerdy or FOBish. Ever notice how America embraced William Hung (the American Idol loser) and ignored Harlemm Lee (the actual winner)? And women buy into this, both Asians and non-Asians. You should learn to see through these stereotypes and appreciate single Asian guys like me. We're not all nerds and FOBS. Not only are we very masculine, but we're usually smart and well employed. Did I already mention that I'm single?

JULIET: Please excuse my love-lorn co-writer. He hasn't had a girlfriend since before the new millenium. The fact is, you don't need to do anything. Who you date is none of their business. I don't know what your brother's issues are though it may be similar to Romeo's which may or may not be valid. Either way, it really isn't your problem. As for your parents, first generation immigrants usually just feel more comfortable with people of the same cultural background especially if they're carrying around a lot of preconceived notions. It may be rough, but if they can adjust to America, I'm sure they can adjust to your boyfriend. I know we all feel a deep sense of obligation to our folks, but in the end, you have to live your own life, not them.

Dear Romeo & Juliet,

I have a young step grandson who eats little. His mother is Loatian, his father American. They are divorced and the father has the child half of the time. Feeding this little boy is difficult. His natural tastes seem to be heavily Laotian. Got any tips for an American to help his eating habits? He can't constantly eat chicken, can he?

JULIET: I checked with a good friend of mine who is Laotian, and here's what she had to say:

"I must admit that Lao kids do eat a lot of chicken, but anything fried or crunchy with sticky rice we love, for example: fried fish, fried chicken with papaya salad and sticky rice are our all-time favorite foods. Eventually, almost all kids will learn to try everything and like or appreciate it. In the mean time...just give it time and introduce macaroni and cheese. And here is an excellent resource for Laotian food: Laotian Cuisine

ROMEO: What's wrong with chicken?

The opinions and advice expressed by Romeo & Juliet are for entertainment purposes only and are not the official views of Asians in America magazine. Romeo is a senior programmer for an internet start-up. Juliet is a freelance fashion designer who is happily in a relationship NOT with Romeo. Send questions and comments to letters@asiansinamerica.org.