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Abstract: This paper further expands on the idea of a black/non-black racial division, by examining a segment of the non-black group?1.5 and 2nd generation Asian Americans. Drawing from theories of segmented assimilation and the social construction from race, I examine the tactics that this group utilizes to set itself apart from other ethnic minority groups as a part of their assimilation process. I use in-depth semi-structured interviews to address this research question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implications of cosmetic surgery by popular culture are that it is a practice driven solely by a desire to enhance one's features. However, based on my interviews with 15 Asian American women between the ages of 19-25, it is not certain that this pattern can be valid across cultures within and outside of the United States. In my study, I show that there are several reasons that Asian American women choose cosmetic surgery, based on western hegemony, class and as a rite of passage. This study uses a feminist theoretical framework, but the findings show that the implications of cosmetic surgery go beyond the pervasive body of literature on gender roles and a hegemonized appearance, but further show that there are several other key factors (culture and class) that also come into play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]