Written by Karina Anders; IG: @karinamai317
100% Multiracial
I’ve always been very proud of being multicultural, but I have had difficulty identifying as multiracial. I am 1⁄2 Portuguese, 1⁄4 Vietnamese, and 1⁄4 German. Although I am Asian, people have made me doubt my right to identify as Asian. After replying to the familiar question of “What are you?”, many people are shocked to hear my response. Some have even called me a liar, and asked what I “really” am. Although I don’t look like what most people classify as “Asian”, I am in fact Vietnamese. I have also been told that I am not Asian enough to call myself Asian. While I understand that the majority of my racial background is not Asian, it feels unfair to completely disregard part of my racial background. I can’t erase a part of who I am.
I am white and Asian, but I don’t really think of myself as a white person or as an Asian person. I am a mix of many cultures. I love being mixed and I think that mixed people have a unique perspective on the world. I am able to visit one part of my family and eat traditional Portuguese food, and also celebrate Vietnamese New Year with my grandparents. Being mixed is a huge part of who I am. It has caused me to love learning new languages, traveling to new places, and exploring other cultures and beliefs. I have also felt the need to connect with each of my cultures as much as I can. Researching each of my cultures has made me feel more connected to my family and aware of my identity. Being mixed has made me more open to diversity and accepting of different cultures.
Multiracial people are often thought of as half of one race and half of another. In reality, it is much more complex. Being multiracial should not be a constant struggle with identity. Multiracial people deserve the right to identify as whatever they feel comfortable with, without any judgement.”
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