Over being EA ?

[Ganbare!]

Don't you sometimes feel that being EA is not relevant to you anymore, that theres more in this world than race to be happy?

Discuss.

[ChickenSoda]

The novelty of it has definitely worn off on me.

[milkman's baby]

I've always felt as if race in general is a bit overrated, but I post on here because sometimes it is nice to share frustrations, funny anecdotes, comments, etc. on social experiences from others who have a similar identity.

One thing I can tell you that's made me roll my eyes a lot while getting on EAN is when I see serious posts like, "Eurasians are the best looking" or any other comments that allude to some sort of superiority based on being Eurasian. I guess that gets me over being EA a little.

[Groink]

Jul 6, 2009 21:27:49 GMT -5 milkman's baby said:

I've always felt as if race in general is a bit overrated, but I post on here because sometimes it is nice to share frustrations, funny anecdotes, comments, etc. on social experiences from others who have a similar identity.

One thing I can tell you that's made me roll my eyes a lot while getting on EAN is when I see serious posts like, "Eurasians are the best looking" or any other comments that allude to some sort of superiority based on being Eurasian. I guess that gets me over being EA a little.

I wholeheartedly agree on both counts. I figure few of my problems or even my attributes have to do with being EA, although I certainly recognize that it is a part of my makeup.

I've said this before, like a broken record, but I think I have about as much in common with most EAs as I would have with anyone else; even with someone with the same racial background as myself. We are a very diverse group in thought and culture, despite being EA.

[TeeHee]

Depends how you define being "over" it. For example, I was rejected by most of my paternal side of the family for my mixed background. In an effort to be accepted by them, I figured I try fixing myself up to look/be "more Asian." I straightened my hair for many years(had been made fun of for my curly hair), engaged myself in various Vietnamese/Asian activities, language/literacy classes, etc. I just wanted so badly to fit in and be accepted by them. While I'm glad to have maintained my Vietnamese language skills over the years, along with many other accomplishments, I eventually came to terms with the fact that I probably won't ever be accepted by that side of the family no matter what I did. That said, I'm content with myself and no longer concerned about whether or not I'm being "too white/Euro" or "too Asian" for whoever. So in that sense, I'm over it. But to say that being EA has no relevance in my life at all would be an inaccurate statement. As much as I can try to go about my day like normal and not have race play a part in my life, I regularly have the topic brought up to me and am treated differently by others, in which often-times I highly doubt I would've gotten such treatment if I were full white or full Asian; so as long as that continues, race/my EA identity will forever be relevant in my life.

[betahat]

I'm over it in my everyday life, but I still enjoy telling the story of my family background everytime someone new inevitably asks "where are you from?" or the more probing "where are your parents from?"

[Ganbare!]

Relieved not to be under heavy fire for even suggesting the idea, I really feel that when you've traveled enough and start to enjoy other cultures, it really is obvious that race and identity are not prevalent in one's existence. Loads of other elements like social class or natural temperament dictate most aspects of life whether it be one's choice of a suitable career or favorite sport and race is most certainly not part of this equation.

[LaFace]

I find people's ethnicities to be quite interesting and am always interested when people tell me about theirs.

On a sidenote, the only people that don't really seem to hold much interest in discussing their own background are those with an Anglo background. Having said that, a significant number of Anglos are quite interested in finding out about others which I think is great. One thing I appreciate about my generation is how we are more accepting of people with a different background to our own in comparison to the older generations, particularly in Australia, a country that used to have a 'Whites Only' policy.

When it comes to being 'Eurasian', I never really found it to have a novelty factor with me. I've always viewed myself as Italian-Filipino first and foremost, despite knowing about the term, 'Eurasian', since I was about 5 years old. Hence, I can't say I'm 'over it', as there really was nothing to 'get over'. EA issues have never really affected me to significant detriment (so although I have experienced the negative aspects, I don't let it bother me).

Having said this, I appreciate my background, am proud of it, and am happy to discuss the backgrounds of both myself and the other person that I may be in a conversation with.

[mingzayni88]

I don't think it was anything to get over, I've never felt 'excited' about it or anything.But, Like LaFace said, I appreciate my background and I'm also interested in hearing about other ppl's background (when the time is right).

It doesn't affect my everyday life, hardly anybody knows i'm mixed (until they find out my whole name). I also never felt I was someting 'special' because of it, I do like to take part in cultural stuff that is part of my background, but you don't have to be EA or mixed to take part in another culture.

[jefe]

I guess I am one of the few ones where it seems NEVER to be over. I feel it impacts my daily life very deeply every day. When I was young, I used to look forward to the day when it didn't affect my life, but that day never came and seems like it never will.

But of course there is considerable more in the world than race to be happy. In fact, I don't think that race does make you happy.

Jul 7, 2009 1:15:52 GMT -5 Groink said:

I've said this before, like a broken record, but I think I have about as much in common with most EAs as I would have with anyone else; even with someone with the same racial background as myself. We are a very diverse group in thought and culture, despite being EA.

Yes, this is completely true.

I still ponder very much what it is like to have an ethnic identity, positive or negative (includes those which wish they could hide / escape / conceal their ethnic identity -- it still shows that they identify with it). To me, watching people holding an ethnic identity is like going to the zoo or aquarium (or maybe diving or on safari) -- you can see and interact with the animals, but you cannot know what they are experiencing.

[jaz]

I don't think I will ever be completely over it. I was picked on a lot because of the way I look back in the 70's and 80's when I was a little kid and teenager, and that sort of thing still sits in your psyche, even though you try to forget about it and lead a normal life.

Things have changed a lot in Australia and I now mostly feel like a regular person. For example, people will stop me to ask for directions like I am a local, instead of bypassing me and asking the nearest white person. So things are better now, but the experiences of the past still sit with you.

I think if it wasn't for other people reacting to the way I look, then I would never have realised I looked different and it wouldn't be an issue at all. However, since looking different has always been part of my life, it becomes part of my identity. It is difficult to imagine how my life would be without this component of my identity.

[jenbrook]

Yea so over it. I'm constantly reminded of it, but in a positive way.. so its all good. In hong kong there are hapas everywhere you turn so i dont feel alone in the slightest.. When i get back to canada however, that will probably change a little. I'll become a little more aware of being different and being labelled just 'asian'. But i like that i'll have to deal with that.. i cant hide out in asia for the rest of my life (or can i? ).

[jenbrook]

Jul 8, 2009 21:56:04 GMT -5 Ganbare! said:

Relieved not to be under heavy fire for even suggesting the idea, I really feel that when you've traveled enough and start to enjoy other cultures, it really is obvious that race and identity are not prevalent in one's existence. Loads of other elements like social class or natural temperament dictate most aspects of life whether it be one's choice of a suitable career or favorite sport and race is most certainly not part of this equation.

Really? I've travelled extensively from a young age and actually find race to be much much more prevalent in ones existence as you realise it does matter very much.. to everyone and every culture. However, you realise that everyone is racist to some degree which puts us all on the same level anyway and really no one is different. You live in north america where racism is not tolerated.. its is very much accepted most other countries. Thats why its not as detectable upon first glance.. no one is making a big deal about.

I think being aware of every aspect of race and racism and where eurasian fits into that helps me get over it.

[Subuatai]

Never identified as EA or even mixed until confronted. Nonetheless it's a label others give me, not an identity.

Regardless, in my opinion nowadays I'm starting to see how any identity or even personal affinities based on heritage instead of individualism can be hazardous to those you care about.

Detachment and individualism. Wish I can learn both.

[catgirl]

I think Im more over it now than before when I was in my teens. I meen we usually accept people for the person inside than the looks when we get a bit older (not that Im ancient or anything like that:P).

I also think that EAs have different experiences depending on life situation, looks, place you live etc.

As long as youre happy with your life, and feel that you "fit in" I see no need to explore my EA-ness much further. But ofcourse its nice to speak to other EAs to listen to their experiences once in a while anyway