Growing up Taiwanese-American is not easy, especially if you grew up in a white-picket fenced community. As a child, you most likely wished you had blonde hair and blue eyes, but as you grow older, you become more and more proud of your culture. Here are some questions that every Asian-American gets asked so frequently, we can answer them in our sleep.
1. What are you?
The infamous, “what are you?” question always seems like the first question people ask when they meet you. I know this may come as a shock, but I’m human and I’m from planet Earth. I know I look like an alien first thing in the morning, but I promise, even before brushing my hair and washing my face, I am still 100 percent made of the same compounds as you.
2. Can you say my name in *your language*?
Me: Sure, what’s your name?
Stranger: It’s Molly.
Me: Your name in _________ is Molly.
Stranger: …that’s the same in English.
Bingo! I can’t say your name in another language because just like any other language, some words, especially names, do not translate.
3. Do you eat dog?
Darn, you caught me. I volunteer at the local dog shelter and own a puppy of my own as a cover-up when I actually want to bring all of them home as my dinner. Woof? Delicious.
4. Do you know the history of "another Asian country"?
No, I actually do not know the history of “_______.” I know I’m Asian but there are over 48 countries in Asia. That would be the equivalent of me asking if you knew the history of Britain when you’re from Italy.
5. Are your parents strict?
Just about as strict as any parent who wants their child to do well in life. My parents do not ground me for eternity if my grades are not all As, but they do stress the importance of doing well in school so that I can have a good life. Sound familiar, huh?
6. Do you speak another language?
In fact, I did have the privilege of learning another language while growing up. Now before you ask, look back up at no. 2 to see the answer to the question you’re about to ask me. Can I help you translate another word though?
7. You don’t look Asian; you have really big eyes. Are you actually half?
Half what? Alien? Animal? Regardless, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Its ground breaking so don’t let anybody else know but I have really big eyes because of *genetics.* I learned the word, "genetics", in science class. Maybe you should try going to class sometime too.
8. Can you help me with my math homework?
As much as I’d like to, I had to re-take Algebra and still ended up with a B-. I, myself, get tutoring before every math exam. I can give you my tutor’s number.
9. Are you good at ping-pong/tennis/Kung-Fu?
Are you good at basketball because you’re African-American? Are you good at football because you’re white? Yep, unless you play those sports competitively, I’m going to say I’m not good at ping-pong, Kung-Fu, or tennis. I wouldn’t mind inheriting some Kung-Fu powers and becoming the next Bruce Lee though.
