NEW YORK — The chairs in the barbershop at 12 Pell are perpetually filled, bustling with a stream of clients who come not only for haircuts, but for a vibrant atmosphere that thrives on trendiness. Nestled on a narrow street in Manhattan’s Chinatown, the shop has become a magnet for patrons from New York City, surrounding metro areas, and even from afar, all drawn by the engaging content shared on social media by the young, mostly Asian American barbers there. They adeptly connect with a diverse clientele through humor and confidence, creating a welcoming space.
Karho Leung, 34, a co-founder of 12 Pell, epitomizes this modern cultural shift. Born in Maine and raised in Chinatown, Leung aspired to create a business that aligns with his creativity and passion for fashion, emphasizing his belief in “building the world that I want to live in” rather than seeking validation. This embodies a quintessentially American drive—the pursuit of individuality and the desire to shape one’s own destiny. Leung’s journey reflects a broader trend among Asian Americans of his generation who are carving out their own niches in various fields, from business to the arts, often with a sense of confidence that was less common in the past.
Historically, not every group in America has experienced this freedom to establish an identity. Many Asian Americans, particularly those from earlier generations, faced challenges living in a society that often regarded their immigrant communities as foreign. There was a time when cultural misunderstandings about Asia and its diverse cultures were widespread, with little representation in mainstream media. Stereotypes, perpetuated over the years, painted a narrow image of Asian identities—propagating notions of passivity and foreignness rather than recognizing the individuality of those within these communities.
Despite the existence of these stereotypes, they hold less power today, especially in a world where cultural diversity is more celebrated. With increased visibility of Asian American stories in various media, heightened global cultural exchanges, and the thriving of Asian American communities across the country, younger generations enjoy the freedom to define their identities on their own terms. Leung describes how he was largely unfazed by these old stereotypes, stating, “I always drove in my own lane,” suggesting a shift in mindset.
To truly assert one’s space in society, it is essential to overcome previous assumptions and cultural narratives. Jeff Yang, a longstanding commentator on Asian American culture, shares his experience from a time when the narratives surrounding Asian Americans were largely crafted by non-Asians. Reflecting on his upbringing, he states, “The stories that were being told were all told by non-Asians about what I could do, who I could be.” The structural barriers that once overshadowed the experiences of Asian Americans are gradually dismantling, giving way to a more empowered voice.
Simran Anand, 27, expresses a similar sentiment. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she experienced cultural isolation due to a limited South Asian community but found connection and empowerment within larger South Asian congregations nearby. She founded her jewelry brand, BySimran, aiming to merge traditional South Asian designs with contemporary sensibilities. For her, embracing both identities—American and South Asian—has been liberating.
Demetri Manabat, 23, reflects on how the past experiences of his parents differed significantly from his current reality. With a Filipino father and a Mexican mother, he recognizes a generational evolution in comfort with cultural identity and language. Although his parents didn’t teach him their native tongues due to societal pressures, he now appreciates the opportunities to embrace his heritage.
As the next generation continues to shape the narrative, figures like Alex Paik, a 43-year-old Korean American artist, observe a significant cultural shift. Raised in a predominantly white environment and grappling with his identity as a youth, he now sees his daughter growing up amidst a rich tapestry of stories that represent her Asian American ethnicity. He marvels at how different this new environment is compared to his own childhood.
Factors such as the 1965 immigration law reforms, globalization, and the rise of the internet have all played a crucial role in expanding the visibility and variety of Asian American experiences. Artists and cultural pioneers like DJ Rekha have paved the way for this expression, showing that authenticity connects communities and audiences alike.
What’s clear is that the new generation of Asian Americans approaches cultural identity with a sense of belonging that was less attainable for their predecessors. Paik highlights the importance of assuming a rightful space in society, saying, “When you start with the assumption that you belong in a space, I feel like that changes how you approach things.”
This shift toward owning and celebrating identity signals a promising future where newer generations confidently assert their place in America without seeking approval from anyone. As Manabat points out, the movement toward claiming one’s space often results in a reaction for those from older generations, but it ultimately aligns with a vision they might have hoped for—a landscape where individuals forge their paths freely and emphatically, crafting a reality that reflects their true selves.