The Gen Z Pasifika-American Identity

Imagine having to navigate Pacific Islander cultural identity as a second or third-generation Pasifika-American, and at the same time, being held to family expectations that include top-salary careers and high[est] education, two overworked and outdated systems, as measurements of the family achieving the American dream. This is the reality for Generation Z Pacific Islanders—a generation tasked with traversing the crossroads of identity in an ever-evolving world.

For Generation Z Pacific Islanders, the journey is not just about reconciling their cultural heritage with mainstream American society; it's also about balancing the pressures of familial expectations rooted in traditional notions of success. The weight of these expectations can sometimes feel suffocating, as they are held to standards that may not align with their own aspirations and values.

Let’s be real –  the expectation to excel and achieve accolades and high salaries often overlooks the harsh realities embedded within these systems. The desire for family members to attain prestigious titles like PhD Degrees may be fueled by aspirations for success, but it may not fully account for the challenges and obstacles faced along the way. 

The pursuit of higher education, for instance, also includes isolation, discrimination, and persistent imposter syndrome—factors that are frequently overlooked amidst the emphasis on academic achievement. Generation Z Pacific Islanders find themselves navigating these treacherous waters, often feeling the weight of familial expectations while grappling with the harsh realities of the academic landscape.

The current cultural and political climate has heightened the scrutiny and challenges faced by Gen Z Pacific Islanders on college campuses. In the year 2024, everything is up for debate and scrutiny, exacerbated by the omnipresence of social media where every misstep and triumph is broadcasted for the world to see. This added pressure only adds to the already complex journey of cultural identity and familial expectations.

Think about the Generation Z Pacific Islander experience and identity as an evolved iteration of the broader American experience. In their journey to reconcile cultural heritage with societal expectations, they embody the resilience, adaptability, and determination that define the both the Pacific Islander and American spirit. 

In week one of the YouTube digital campaign, we invited participating PISA Clubs to ponder on their own experiences of being Gen Z Pasifika-American, and share it in the form of social media content. We are excited to further explore and unpack the dual reality of our Gen Z Pasifika-American students.