On many occasions I have heard, “you don’t even seem that Asian.” It has never been said to me out of spite, rather a compliment, almost as if to reassure me that I am more than my label, and that having a personality beyond my label is impressive. As an Asian American, people see me through stereotypes; they see me as a submissive, socially inept intellect. I will admit I am mild mannered and to a degree socially awkward. Still, I do not owe my characteristics to my race, yet to my development of my individual identity in spite of societal clichés.
I am certainly not unaware of the fact that I am Asian, but having been adopted from China at the age of 10 months old, I have naturally become Americanized. Despite growing up in a community where
I am certainly not unaware of the fact that I am Asian, but having been adopted from China at the age of 10 months old, I have naturally become Americanized. Despite growing up in a community where