Bananas. Yellow on the outside, white on the inside- that's what my mom always described me as. I went to a private school for preschool and kindergarten and I was the only Asian in my grade. As a result of the limited diversity, my first friends were all white. Throughout elementary school and middle school most of my friends were white as well, and that became my norm. I don't see myself as a stereotypical Asian. I do not have straight A's, I love playing sports, and I am not a genius in any way. I hate the expectations that come with being Asian. I am expected to always have amazing grades, to get into a prestigious college and become a doctor or a lawyer. I feel like I am letting my family and others down because I don't have all A's and because I don't think I am going to get a 36 on my ACT. My dad told me that its harder for Asians to get into college because there are so many of us that apply and colleges compare us with our race, so only the top Asians get in out of all the Asians that apply. I have never really been great at school grade wise. I'm decent, but I am not the best.
I totally relate with your story! Going to a private school with little diversity (There were only two Indian families there, including mine)I wasn't exposed to many stereotypes. So I think of myself as a coconut too. I hate the expectations that come with being Indian!
ReplyDeleteprivate school twinsies :D
DeleteI think we're twins. Especially having grown up with you, I completely understand how for our whole lives we have been on the outskirts of asian society. We are both basically white and I understand the pressure you're under for colleges and feeling like you'll never be good enough for our race. Don't worry, you're not alone!
ReplyDeletemuch love sista
DeleteDude, I can totally relate. Banana, whitewashed, Twinkie. Honestly, the first time someone called me whitewashed, I was kind of angry. Now, however, I can see where that someone would think that.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the Asian stereotype is so... well, it's just that the stereotype implies that an Asian kid is the best at EVERYTHING. Which is impossible since there are so many of us, so a lot of us really don't fit that stereotype just by definition. Sometimes, though, I think that it would be nice to fit the stereotype as an Asian.
Yeah it would so nice to just be naturally smart and to have perfect grades! I agree!
Deleteyellow fellows unite
Deletehahaha the banana analogy was so funny! I kind of go the opposite way, I've taken people a back in being smart! People always think I'm gonna be like a total 'mean girl'. But I don't mind, if I set everyone's standards low they can't help but be impressed with me! :)
ReplyDelete