Have you ever asked or been asked this question? Are you asian?
@peterpancomplex (438)
Philippines
October 23, 2010 8:20pm CST
It is funny how my friends who visit or stayed in the U.S are often asked, do you speak asian? or are you asian? We have different languages in asia and theres no such language as asian.
Asia is our continet but there are different races here, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese have those chinky eyes, but if you meet them often you can know the difference because of their eyes, some of my friends can distinguish them, i sometimes do, but its just so confusing at times too.
Thai, Filipino and Malaysian are also being confused as one too, but we have different languages and cultures. Philippines is a catholic christian capital in asia, while malay and thai (im not so sure) are muslim countries.
I am a hapa girl, half mix as they said, i have spanish, scottish and filipino blood, so i am often being referred as a foreign looking girl in my country, but i can't help but be affected by racist comments too.
Though I understand how westerners call everyone in asia, asian. but more often than not they offend people.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@smartie0317 (1610)
• United States
24 Oct 10
Yes, I've been asked before if I'm Asian, hertiage wise, due to the unique (well not to Asians) shape of my eyes. I'm not, though. So, my looks seem "strange". It seems you've lead an interesting life. I tend to refer to people as what they are, unless I don't know. Then, I use Asian.
@peterpancomplex (438)
• Philippines
24 Oct 10
I see, more and more people these days are mix races, I for one, and I find myself admiring mix races physical features.
I think if you have what they call (asian eyes) more people will really think you are at least mixed with asian blood.
Whats funny is that people think that thai, and chinese who have different features are the same. they don't know that not all asian doesn't have chinky eyes like japanese do. and some people would insist that its the same.
@Professor2010 (20156)
• India
3 Jan 12
I agree with you, i am from india, i have friends all over the globe, in Philippines, Malasia etc, they say i look more causian than asian, it might be due to my fair skin, i was born and brought up in india, i have my family tree of 200 years, we are from india only..
Best of luck.
Professor
Professor
@ChampagneGiggles (699)
• United States
28 Oct 10
You make good points. My ex is Nigerian, and he used to hate it when people asked if he was African. African refers to geography, not people, he used to rant.
@pbbbsra (1214)
• Philippines
21 Aug 11
In the country where we live now, I seldom come across people from my own country. And the people from here rarely see Asians staying here for good. I already know their language but when they look at my skin, they can't help but get confused. They ask me if I am Asian or I have an Asian parent. Then I tell them yes I am, and I know their language because I am married with one. Sometimes, my husband and I would speak in English along the crowd to make sure no one understand what we were talking about, but even if I have an american accent, by the way I look, they would still ask. It does not bother me at all. I am proud of my color and I am proud I am Asian.
