The Silent Swords
Back story: I'm a Chinese American. My parents adopted me when I was 15 months. I look Asian. My parents are both Caucasian. I grew up in a white American culture. The most Chinese I am is the stereotype that I like noodles and rice. Besides being tan skinned with black hair and being short. I also know maybe three words in Mandarin Chinese.
Flash forward to today, I am in the grocery store trying to figure out what to feed myself this week. I am by the rice, because it's pretty easy to make and it doesn't take too long. I was approached by a guy who was a good 10-15 years older than me. I didn't think anything of it, then he started talking in some Asian language. He wasn't talking slow either. As he's talking he starts moving towards me. Finally, I just ended up walking away.
I think it's interesting that the majority of racism is from a different race not the same. Is it even racist if someone assumes someone else's race or ethnicity based on physical features?
I understand wanting to connect with others or being curious but sometimes I just want to pick my rice out in peace.
Flash forward to today, I am in the grocery store trying to figure out what to feed myself this week. I am by the rice, because it's pretty easy to make and it doesn't take too long. I was approached by a guy who was a good 10-15 years older than me. I didn't think anything of it, then he started talking in some Asian language. He wasn't talking slow either. As he's talking he starts moving towards me. Finally, I just ended up walking away.
I think it's interesting that the majority of racism is from a different race not the same. Is it even racist if someone assumes someone else's race or ethnicity based on physical features?
I understand wanting to connect with others or being curious but sometimes I just want to pick my rice out in peace.
Hi Claire,
ReplyDeleteI can also relate to this story. I feel pretty awkward when the situation arises (I have been in this situation a number of times) but I feel bad that I cannot connect with someone who is trying to reach out to me. It also feels like I may be in the wrong place. It's a weird identity thing.
I consider it a racist to assume race based on physically features when it is in a customer service setting but when it is academia I can empathize better with the other person.
Claire