Yup, another article of things that the Asian community is tired of hearing. You've probably seen an article like this before, but these are things Asian people still hear. I have heard all of these at some point as a young, Asian-American. Many of them are based on racist stereotypes, and by asking or saying these things, people propagate the stereotypes even further.
"But where are you really from?"
This has to be number one on this list. This is applicable to anyone of any race but especially common for Asians. Chances are that their parents or grandparents immigrated from an Asian country and they were born here in the good ol' USA, so don't be surprised if they answer "Tennessee."
"All Asians look the same"
In the same way that all white people do not look the same, all Asians do not share the same features. In a somewhat white, Western country, we are used to distinguishing features of white people. So, no, all Asian people do not look the same, some people's observation skills and memory just need some work.
"Are you Chinese?"
The typical "Asian" person can come from about 10 countries (this is excluding Southwest Asia and West Asia). While China is the most populous country, there are other countries people come from. So please, don't ask if someone is Chinese just because they have black hair and almond-shaped eyes.
"Is this offensive?" someone asks as they stick their pinky straight up in the air
First of all, put your pinkie down, you're making us all look dumb. And to answer your question, no, it is not offensive. It is not like the middle finger in America, and it makes you look ignorant.
"But aren't you supposed to be good at math?"
News flash- Asians are people, too. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Some people who are Asian happen to excel in history, English, and the arts. Other people who are Asian are excellent at math and science. It really depends on the person, just like everybody else. So please, don't ask why I'm bad at math.
"Do you do karate?"
Many forms of martial arts originated in Asian countries, but that does not mean we study them.
"Your eyes are so small."
Yup, it's genetic. Thank you for pointing that out. May I also add that your nose is big?
"You don't like sushi? But you're Asian!"
I like the food that I like, and you have the food that you like. Sushi has never been my favorite food, and it has nothing to do with the fact that I am Asian. It's more the fact that I don't like eating raw fish.
"Your English is so good!"
Yeah, that's because I was raised speaking English, go to English-speaking schools, and I'm an English major.
"Are you two siblings?" they ask when I am with any other Asian friends.
Unfortunately, no. Just because we are both Asian does not mean we are blood-related. Chances are that my friend and I do not share the same heritage.
"How do you say _______ in your language?"
The same way you do. I speak English.
"You don't want to be a doctor when you grow up? I thought that all Asians were doctors."
The medical field has never interested me much, although I have family members who were nurses. Not all Asians want to be doctors. See number five
On a more serious note, these stereotypes have roots in the idea of making fun of those who are different. They have roots in racism. Although these comments may seem harmless, using any of these only encourages the racist roots from which they grew. These comments and questions are geared towards East-Asians, but there are stereotypes for all races and ethnicities, many of which are hurtful.
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