Being Mixed in Asia

[kimpossible]

This was my fourth trip to 'Asia' and it looks like we'll be moving back to Taiwan in about two years. I've given up trying to politely remind anyone there that for chrissakes I can use chopsticks and Asian food isn't exactly a new thing to me.

Overall I think I've arrived at a comfortable place when I interact with HKers, Taiwanese or Japanese. I just let them assume that I'm white and a dumbass and don't understand anything but English and have no idea about Japanese or Chinese culture. Instead of becoming exhausted with frustration over how I'm shoved in this little tiny foriegner box with all the stereotypes, I've used the time abroad to calculate how I can turn it into a benefit and maximize a return on it.

For mixed Asians, how is it different for you to live in an Asia than the US? How is our experience different from non-Asian foreigners? from ABAs? For other mixed Asians that haven't yet gone to Asia but plan to, what are the pitfalls they should look out for? Coping strategies?

[kimpossible]

Originally posted by tazadar@Feb 8 2003, 02:46 PM
"I just let them assume that I'm white and a dumbass and don't understand anything but English and have no idea about Japanese or Chinese culture."

Yah, they shouldn't treat you like that. That's racist!

d00d, politcal correctness is for America and American culture. My only goal is to do succeed in Chinese/Taiwanese society, not make them like me or appreciate me as an individual. Er.. maybe you were just being sarcastic, right?

My husband will be moving back, technically speaking. I'll be moving to after going there a couple of times. What's wrong with the US? Da jia isn't here. That's what's wrong. Plus after reading some more about the economic advances re:China, I think it's time for us to cash in on this Mandarin + Chinese name thing.

But back on topic.

[SunWuKong]

yeah HH. go back to asia! go back to where you come from! and take me with you!

[PuChAi]

This is something i know all to well.I was born and grew up in northern thailand.I have two older brothers and me and my twin at the time.My oldest brother is tan-reddish caramel color.As for my other brother is very light skinned as me and my brother used to be.Well in north thai there are wut called many "ethnic"thai people cause many come in many colors even really dark!so we had no problems growing up no matter when we tanned in the summer or light again in winter.When my mom first moved back to thailand with my older brothers she said they were well recieved by every1.No one wondered why or if they looked differant, although for the most they lookked just like every1 else there.Although in 3 months my mom would give birth 2 me and my twin and did wonder how would be look and if we would get the same ecceptance as my older brothers.