Asian American Teenagers:
16 Captivating Cultural Identity Archetypes
Archetypes embody distinct characters embarking on unique journeys, serving as powerful tools for understanding human motives and actions.
This journey begins with transformative steps that reshape the ordinary world, guiding characters through challenges, forging relationships, enduring ordeals, and ultimately achieving triumph.
For many adolescents, there journey is just beginning. They find themselves poised at the threshold of new experiences, some taking their first tentative steps while others venture further. Yet, most adolescents are still in the formative stages of their epic quests.
Below is a list of the 16 Asian American archetypes; we encourage you to click on their photos to hear their CIAB and follow along with the music analysis we conducted.
In the quiet mind of a teen, where dreams intertwine with reality, a young heart begins to feel an irresistible pull—a yearning for a love yet to be discovered. This shadow lover ethereally dances on the edges of imagination. As the past moves into the future, the teen finds solace in daydreams, where hope lingers in the air. Prepared for a love that is destined to bloom, the teen takes us through all the colors of hope, love, and longing.
This teenager’s journey is depicted like an old black-and-white movie, portraying them as actors navigating through various musical decades while exploring their identity and searching for meaning. They yearn for an ideal life and relationships as perfect as those seen on the big screen.
A Korean teenager uses rap music to express his deep frustration with the toxic culture that often surrounds young males. He feels torn between his genuine disdain for this culture and the pressure to fit in with his peers, which complicates his struggle. Through the use of DJ effects, he conveys the weight of his loneliness and depression, subtly signaling to listeners that things aren’t as perfect as they may seem on the surface. He dreams of a day when he can distance himself from those who bring him down and live a life filled with success.
In a heartfelt effort to honor their cultural roots, this teenager finds themselves navigating the complex feelings of belonging in American society. With a unique use of sound effects, they express their emotions by surrounding loss while boldly showcasing their resilance. Embracing life & joy, this teenager is willed with hope and determination.
This Chinese teen uses K-pop to express their understanding of love. DJ effects are used throughout to show how they wish to explore all aspects of love—from infatuation to passion to the need to find a lover who will accept them. Yet, the teen also wants their future lover to know they will not allow the love to hurt them because they are immune to pain.
The inability to break free from family and past experiences makes the individual feel trapped in a cage. They yearn for self-discovery, motivated by the hope of becoming stronger and more independent. In life’s journey, the teenager believes their future will still require a fight to free themselves entirely. However, they understand that this struggle will ultimately lead to personal growth and a better version of themselves.
This teen reflects on their struggle with loneliness, using a mix of haunting and dreamlike music to express their inner turmoil. They desire to escape but understand they must accept their past to achieve personal growth and transform into a new self.
This teen is surrounded by loneliness and feels lost. The teen wants to find love. There is a sense of impermanence in all relationships, along with feelings of sorrow and loss woven throughout their story.
This teenager embarks on a heartfelt journey, balancing their parents’ expectations with their own cultural identity. As they navigate these challenges, they feel the pull between staying loyal to their family and yearning for the freedom to explore love without limits. This internal struggle teaches them the importance of self-discovery, leading them to a pivotal choice: to embrace their own unique path and create a life that reflects their true self or to honor the story that others have written for them.
No longer content to fade into the crowd, this teen has metamorphosed into a fierce individual who boldly challenges the constraints of societal expectations and norms. Their vision of the future is a whirlwind of intensity and uncertainty, yet they stand resolute, fueled by a burning desire to defy conventions. With a brave heart, they choose to seize life with passion and embrace every moment fearlessly and unapologetically.
A teenager who has enjoyed a “fairytale” childhood bravely decides to leave home and embrace the “real world.” Unfortunately, they quickly realize how unkind life can be and begin to feel isolated and unwanted. In response to this harshness, the teen seeks solace in a hidden space where they can heal from their pain. With heartfelt DJ effects, they open up about their inner struggles, amplifying their voice to convey a deep yearning for connection. They desire to share their love with others—love that is open, honest, and free of judgment- hoping to remind everyone that they are worthy of love and understanding.
This Indonesian teenager is secretly planning an escape from their family. They discreetly inform the listener that they are ready to sneak out and break free. At times, the teenager cannot help but loudly declare their independence. There is a sense of quiet sexual exploration that is stored away so that others cannot see. But, the future will be a proud, sex-positive life surrounded by loyal friends.
Heartbreak and self-discovery are central themes in this teen’s CIAB. The teen illustrates how a past lover still influences their life, showing difficulty in letting go of both the relationship and the past. A longing to find someone who will truly see, love, and cherish them is at the heart of the teen’s present and future.
A strong and unrelenting teen is willing to protect those they love while embracing their newfound identity. This teen repeats several quotes throughout the CIAB with the message, “I’m not always going to be easy to love, but if you stick around, you’re in it for the long haul.” This teen is hardened yet easily wounded, and this warrior is confident they won’t be wounded in battle ever again.
The teenager grapples with a sense of distance from their cultural roots while simultaneously trying to navigate and fit into American culture. This internal conflict has caused them to miss out on many typical teenage experiences, such as forming close friendships and experiencing their first love. As the listener is drawn deeper into the teenager’s journey, they reveal the vulnerability of quietly exploring their sexual and gender identity. Filled with hope for a magical future, the teen is captivated by the idea of rewriting the stars, seeking a way to shape their own path amidst the challenges they face.