Being American Chinese has always been a huge part of my identity. So it was with some confusion that I entered China and found myself… solely American. But not unequivocally. Because I don’t look American. But neither am I Chinese especially with my lack of Chinese language. So in the end, I’m just… American. But always with an explanation. …
Category Archives: Discussions
East and West: Honor vs Pride
While strolling around the 99¢ store in a rather bored and aimless fashion, the thought occurred to me that a difference between the values of the East and the West lies in valuing honor versus pride. Perhaps I should state this a little less globally. In my experience of being Malaysian-Chinese and being American, I’ve been a part of two value …
On Being American
It’s odd to realize that I’m not an American until I open my mouth. Even then, to some people, the accent still isn’t enough to classify me as such. To be “American” is still embedded in being white. You may protest here. I would protest myself in other circumstances. But at the reactive gut level for many people, …
On Great Art and Graffiti
Apparently I’m the art major who doesn’t care about amazing art done by various masters of ages past. Art on a wall, in a museum, in a cathedral, and so on… they always seem to be outside of time. They’re preserved, restored, roped off, and often seen outside of their original context. And after a while, it all looks the same. …