March 27th, 2015 at 06:18pm
Don't let people try to dictate what your cultural/ethnic identity is. It's in your blood/ancestral lineage, therefore, they don't have much of a "right" so to speak. I have a similar issue where people don't believe I'm half Chinese (I don't speak any Chinese dialects, my dad does not look like a "typical" Chinese person according to some, and people make assumptions of course).
That doesn't stop me from being proud of my heritage and trying to familiarize myself with that side. Ethnic/cultural identity makes up a vital part of us as a person in my opinion and nobody should try to convince us otherwise because there are so many differing opinions of a "true" <insert culture/ethnic group/ANY group here>. I know I am doing the right thing by being outspoken about my cultural identity because as a POC, especially a WOC, I've experienced different (both good and bad) treatment based on what people perceived me as.
Gotten not-so-friendly looks because I along with my cousins have tan skin; been stared at like a circus animal along with my family in a pre-dominantly Caucasian town. Also have had ignorant and racist comments/questions said to me because of people's ethnocentrism and misplaced curiosity. Sometimes it's difficult to not just say something equally as offensive back.
Be thankful that you're proud and ready to stand up for what is right and well to you. You're an inspiration.
I couldn't agree more with you, and it is something I've accepted since being here since I never really had this issue back home. Still, even more now I'm done with letting people get away with words and things they just shouldn't be saying. Sometimes it is truly hard to not say prejudice things back.
Also, thank you cause I really appreciate you commenting on my blog since this is all something I'm still getting use too!