of history, culture and language. The other descriptive words I used -
Peranakan, Hokkien, Teochew, translations of various Chinese festivals -
mark such distinctions too.
My perception of my ethnicity is definitely informedby the
environment that I was brought up and live in, aswell as the many
kinds of Chinese persons whom I have met during travel/studyor read
about. I am very aware that I am a type of Chineseperson and -
considering the small Singaporean Chinese population- hardly the
ideal representative of the supposed typical Chineseperson.
Differ from Asian stereotype(s).
I was interested in history and literature when Iwas schooling and did
not excel in maths or the sciences. I played the pianobut I was
mediocre at it. I do not believe age or being in aposition of authority
naturally warrants respect. I drink bubble tea forthe milk tea.
It seems inappropriate to group such a vast groupof individuals from
such a wide range of cultures into one category. Certaingroups seem to
be erased or marginalised during the stereotyping(eg Southeast Asians
stereotypes)
Asian stereotypes don’t really play a part in my dailylife. I live in Asia
and most of us are Asians. Stereotyping happens ona finer level, eg
Indian; Filipino; Chinese; Japanese etc.
A theoretical space without racism.
People would be judged/defined to a greater degreeby their actions
and words instead of their race/ethnicity. Fewer peoplemight feel
compelled to live up to certain standards simply toadhere to certain
expectations or disprove certain stereotypes.
However, we will still have to contend with sexism,classism, ageism
and other forms of discrimination. In fact, thereis a possibility that
other forms of discrimination might intensify in theabsence of racism.
Tell.
I understand the need for broad categories but sometimesI feel that
the term Asia is a little meaningless because of the
cultural/historical/ethnic/geographic diversity foundwithin.
Correct.
We don’t all look the same.
To someone.
I think that Asia is a great place with rich historiesand cultures and
that we should be fascinated (and proud, if you wantto be) of the place
and thus, our heritage (if you identify with beingAsian).
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