Mia,
Honolulu, HI
I grew up in Hawaii which was a very diverse place. Coming to the mainland I had a lot of people ask me what I was. When I would answer with “Japanese” they wouldn’t believe me. I admit my skin tone is darker than the average Asian person but no matter how many times I answered with “Japanese” no one seemed to believe me. I would constantly get the “But you’re from Hawaii so that means you’re Hawaiian right” and even “You’re really dark for an Asian” which was straight disrespectful in my opinion. Personally, I struggle with whether or not I am “Japanese enough” which makes these comments hit a little close to home. But I am proud to be from Hawaii and that I have a darker skin tone. But just because I am from a different place or look a little different shouldn’t mean that someone can question who I am.
