When you don't inherit your ethnic culture anymore

I can see where Umma is coming from. Being a minority in America, it's more often than not I see many Asians coming off as being "white" or "twinkie" or "banana" or whatever stereotype you want to slap onto them.

Assimilating into American culture isn't necessarily bad, but I don't condone it either. No matter where you go in America, people will look at you and see you as a minority. You say something and someone will go, "Oh, that's so Asian." You get an A on a test and someone will go, "That's because you're Asian." Where's your credit? You speak perfect English and the elderly look shocked. On the other hand, you speak broken Mandarin and other Asians look down on you. You can't get out of it. And no matter how hard you try, sadly, you're not going to fit in (unless it's some uber open society.) And you're not going to fit into the minority society unless you embrace your own culture. Think about it this way, how is trying to fit into the majority society any different than embracing your own? Either way, you're associating, and one is closer to home than the other.

I see both sides of the mirror. I've seen people who take great pride in who they are, and that's great and all. But at the same time, it almost seems as if they're speaking to me as if I were talking to their own parents, like they can't think for themselves. On the other hand, I see people who completely ignore their own culture, and they never associate themselves with being what they are. To me, you should at least make an effort to learn a little bit about yourself, not become someone the world doesn't see you as.

Really, it's hard being multi-cultural. Personally I tend to lean toward learning more about myself, my family, my roots, my ancestral culture. Learning more won't hurt you. Learning additional languages can only benefit you. And learning begins at home. You should take advantage that you're from such a diverse family. Learn to speak languages, at least some working knowledge in it. You will more likely regret not learning a language than learning one, and probably kicking yourself or blaming someone else for not taking advantage of the fact that you're parents are more than willing teachers.

I'm not saying to become completely immersed in one culture that it seems almost obsessive. But take a look at yourself in the mirror, and that's what everyone else sees. And that's also who you are. It's in your blood. Being ashamed of your own ethnicity seems almost as damaging as Michael Jackson's race change. There's no point in trying to deny yourself.

How ya doing, buddy?