Dïero (26), born and raised in The Netherlands. Visual designer.
What kind of upbringing did you have? There is also a term: “Tiger parents or Tiger mom”. Did you have a similar upbringing?
Strict, but fair. A lot of freedom, but sticking to certain rules. Able to make your own choices.
Are there any taboos or things that you can’t discuss with your parents?
Nope.
Do you feel close with your Asian roots or not?
Not really, more with my Afro roots.
Did you ever feel ashamed of you being Asian?
Sometimes for my Hindustani side.
Did you ever have a role model when you grew up?
Will Smith
What do you think of the Asian representation in The Netherlands?
Lacking hard.
Do you feel like you’re the ‘The Asian Model Minority Myth’?
No.
What made you who you are now?
Parents, family, friends, culture, my interests.
What are stereotype Asians in your opinion and where does that come from? Do you see other Asians like those stereotypes?
Asian stereotypes such as poor Dutch speaking, eating everything with chopsticks, being humble and so on, I think comes from the time when Chinese workers came here and isolated themselves and avoided conflicts. this created a certain image of them.
What stereotypes and comments have you heard about your appearance? Do you identify with that too? How do you see yourself compared to how others see you? What do you feel and how do you feel when people make such comments?
Stereotypes such as that Surinamese people are late, do not want to work, do not handle money well, etcetera. of course, none of that is true, so I ignore it
What racist remarks and discrimination have you experienced?
In the past I mainly had to deal with it, but nowadays it is not so bad as far as direct discrimination is concerned. sometimes at work, but mainly from white older people.
What is a funny trait or tell something that not everyone knows about you?
I have won many prizes with taekwondo and still need an exam to get my black belt. hope to pick it up again someday haha.
In Asian culture, it is normal as a woman to get married as soon as possible, have children, and become a housewife. Because when you have a husband, you have children, you have “made” it in life. How do you see it?
That’s a very old-fashioned view of life. of course, it comes from somewhere. It is good to see what the cause of this line of thought is, but also good to talk to people of that generation, that times are different.
Where do you stand now and what are your plans for the future?
Almost graduated and on his way to being a professional visual designer/
What do you want to give to the readers?
Your life never goes the way you plan it, but try to create a common thread for yourself, stay focused, don’t get distracted.
Where can we follow you:
Instagram, Behance, Linkedin, website: @diofics, Dio Melvin, diofics.nl