Maud (20) Born in China, raised in The Netherlands. Queer student, activist and musician.
What kind of upbringing did you have? There is also a term: “Tiger parents or Tiger mom”. Did you have a similar upbringing?
Pretty progressive and open. However, without Chinese culture unfortunately.
Are there any taboos or things that you can’t discuss with your parents?
No.
Do you feel close with your Asian roots or not?
Mediocre.
Did you ever feel ashamed of you being Asian?
Yep for my whole teenage years I had internalized racism… wanted to have blonde hair and blue eyes because of poor representation, racist name calling and a white environment.
Did you ever had a role model when you grew up?
No.
What do you think of the Asian representation in The Netherlands?
It sucks. I only see myself as a ridiculous stereotype.
Do you feel like you’re the ‘The Asian Model Minority Myth’? x
Yeah, (not just random) people say that I am integrated properly and look up to me.
What made you who you are now?
Asian Raisins, politics, racism.
Have people also made comments about you being Chinese? How did you react to this, what did you feel?
Many. It made me insecure and led to disliking my Chinese identity. I used to freeze and not say anything.
What are stereotype Asians in your opinion and where does that come from? Do you see other Asians like those stereotypes?
For women it is submissive and for men it is nerdy. I have no idea… might be something historical or something to do with culture. I guess sometimes? Just like you see any people from any other ethnicity that fall into certain categories.
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?
That I have chink eyes, that my skin is yellow, that I can’t see shit. No I don’t, at least not anymore. I used to believe that crap though. When people make such comments I do get a little insecure, but mostly I am in disbelief of people’s ignorance.
What racist remarks and discrimination have you experienced? Have you experienced it before? Where, when, how? Which experience do you remember most? So has it gotten worse with the Coronavirus? What do you feel and how do you feel when people make such comments?
Name calling. Slur calling. Racist jokes. Racist songs. Ridiculous pronunciation of my Chinese name or birthplace. Well when?.. oof. When I rode my bike alone. When I walk the street alone. In class. When I go out. By boys aged from 12 years going all the way to 50-year-old men. Often in groups. I remember many racist encounters by heart actually. It got worse when the Coronavirus peaked yes, I was not only “Ching chang chong” or “CHINEESSS” anymore but also “Corona”. I feel weak, empty, insecure.
What is a funny trait or tell something that not everyone knows about you
My right ear is deaf.
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?
I think it is ridiculous. I am progressive and anti-heteronormativity. Aditionally, fuck the gender binary.
Where do you stand now and what are your plans for the future?
First, becoming a(n) (inter)national security officer. Then perhaps joining the Dutch politics fest..
What do you want to give to the readers?
Show diversity
Where can we follow you:
maudjingqin