The Race Card Project
By Michele Norris
Maelyn Martz,
Phoenix, AZ
Just by appearance it’s clear of my origins; most would assume that I’m familiar using chopsticks, but I’m actually terrible using them. In general I would say its looked down on or maybe a little embarrassing when someone can’t use chopsticks, but if it’s from one that’s Asian, its triple times worse.
Ka’Olu,
Los Osos, CA
I’m a “third culture kid” raised in Southern California by expat Japanese parents. We were repatriated when I was a teenager, then I moved back to California in my late 40’s. In Japan, I felt I was not really Japanese, but in the US, I don’t really feel American. Because I don’t have an Asian accent, people (like my Anglo-American husband’s family) seem to think I am just like them. I’m not. My food preferences are definitely Japanese! This recent photo makes me laugh. Camping is such an American pastime, but here I am with my chopsticks! I always travel with them, along with bags of rice and little packets of soy sauce.
Ka’Olu,
Los Osos, CA
I’m a “third culture kid” raised in Southern California by expat Japanese parents. We were repatriated when I was a teenager, then I moved back to California in my late 40’s. In Japan, I felt I was not really Japanese, but in the US, I don’t really feel American. Because I don’t have an Asian accent, people (like my Anglo-American husband’s family) seem to think I am just like them. I’m not. My food preferences are definitely Japanese! This recent photo makes me laugh. Camping is such an American pastime, but here I am with my chopsticks! I always travel with them, along with bags of rice and little packets of soy sauce.
Deb Kruse
Tucson, AZ
Yes, I am “from” somewhere. Born in Korea – adopted as an infant (3 weeks old to be exact). Yes, most of my family is white. Yes, I grew up on a farm in Iowa and have driven a tractor and a combine. Yes, I’m adopted. Yes I like Asian food – Mexican food too. No, I don’t remember anything about Korea (really, you just asked me that?) No I don’t speak Korean. No I don’t know who my biological parents are. No, I’m not really curious about it. And no, I can’t use chopsticks. So give me a fork, and don’t make any assumptions about who you think I am or how you think I should act or be.
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