“Dad, what if I dated a non-Asian?” He chuckled.

I’m Korean American.

My cultural identity can be seen through the glass full, glass empty analogy because it really depends on perspective.

It sucks when I realize I don’t technically fit 100% into one specific culture. If in America or if in Korea, there's always a limit to my comfort and culture. It's easy to stand out as a minority in both cultures.

On the other hand, it's a blessing because it can be said that I am a combination of both cultures. I look Korean, follow more American trends, yet familiar with both mannerisms and able to speak both languages.

Looking back at my past three serious relationships, I realized I have only dated guys with the same background as me. Oddly, it made me feel sheltered and naive.
Not because there is anything wrong with it, but because of the fact that I hadn’t even thought to open my mind to the greater world beyond myself and the people around me.

As I moved away from home, went to college, and had several opportunities to travel internationally, I got exposed to a greater community and enjoyed getting to know different people, cultures, and ideas.

Today I am a 22-year-old, currently single young lady. So recently when I visited my parent's house in Korea, I asked my dad the question: “What if I dated a non-Asian?”

After a chuckle and a long pause, he shared about how racism still exists in the world. So, this made me question...

Even if there is racism in the world, should we allow that to limit us to the only things that are familiar to us?

I believe that we may be different, but we are all people. We have different cultures, ideas, and beauty, but that's what makes us all unique and more exciting to get to know! I understand that he is just worried about the racial problems that could arise, but this is the exact closed mindset that I want to ultimately overcome!