The Race Card Project
By Michele Norris
Michael Chan,
Maplewood, MN.
I am half Chinese and half Caucasian, but my German and Hebrew language skills are much stronger than my Cantonese skills (my family’s language). So when I get the question, “Where do you come from?,” I laugh internally and typically spend a few seconds trying to figure out what exactly I’m being asked.
Blanche Tsetong,
Australia.
I get this question often. Mostly at work. It never fails to infuriate me, particularly because the question is only ever directed at me and is not asked of my white coworker, who is also in the room. I am a 2nd generation Australian Chinese and unfortunately, couldn’t speak Chinese to save myself. In the 80s people would shout at me ” Go back to where you came from!!!”. So I find the question “where do you REALLY come from”, along with little “jokes” about Chinese physical characteristics or people trying out their Chinese language skills on me, both presumptive and offensive. And tiring. And not funny.
Denise Valstar,
Netherlands
Very often people ask me where I am from. I am born in the Netherlands, my parents are born here. The only reason for my ‘not so white’ skin is my grandmother who originates from Indonesia. I’ve been asked so many times if I speak Arabic or any other African or South American language. When I tell them I am just a Dutch woman, they blink and ask me if I’m sure.
Wel.. yes. I’m pretty sure I know where I come from. Thank you.
Caitlin Wong,
USA.
I am a White American woman who relatively recently started seeing a Chinese man. He was born and raised in American, but he is not biracial. It’s a fairytale romance – I am in love and I couldn’t be happier. At first it surprised me that we got stares, especially in New York City. I don’t really notice it anymore. I know it might be vain, but I worry about the children we’re going to have. I worry that people will look at them, and look at me, and ask where I adopted them from. I do not have anything against adoption – but I just know that I am living in a world where I will have to defend being their mommy – and they will have to do the same on their side. It breaks my heart.
Subscription to our newsletter open soon.
Indulge in timeless elegance with our hand-curated collection of luxury vintage men’s fashion. From classic suits to iconic accessories, our online store offers a premium shopping experience for the modern gentleman who appreciates quality and style. Shop now and elevate your wardrobe with our carefully selected pieces that celebrate the art of craftsmanship and heritage fashion.
