Roosvita (19) was born and raised in Indonesia, her parents are both Javanese and Indonesian. She came in 2019 to The Netherlands to study communication & information at RUG in Groningen. She describes herself as eccentric, vibrant, straightforward and semi-quiet.
What kind of upbringing did you have? There is also a term: “Tiger parents or Tiger mom”. Did you have a similar upbringing?
Honestly no, my mom’s pretty modern and open minded.
Are there any taboos or things that you can’t discuss with your parents?
No, we’re so open to one another that even sometimes i’m the one telling her about one of those topics, e.g., topics about sexuality.
Do you feel close with your Asian roots or not?
Yes, I still practice some cultural stuff and I still believe in those.
Did you also research your roots, background, ethnicity?
Yes, perhaps because I used to live in Java when I was a kid.
Did you ever feel ashamed of you being Asian?
Nope, I just don’t think there’s anything to be embarrassed about, it doesn’t apply only to me but I think to anyone in general. I feel like nobody should be ashamed of their identity, name and appearance.
Did you ever have a role model when you grew up?
My mom, because she’s super cool & chill but at the same time she’s very disciplined.
Do you think that role models are important?
Yes, since those people are the ones you look up to in every aspect (the way they think, how they act, how they treat others). I also think that it’s important to have role models who look like me.
What do you think of the Asian representation in The Netherlands?
Although I’m quite different from the majority of the people here, I don’t feel like they’re treating me as if I’m THAT different here.
Is it the same, where you were born?
Pretty much. i’d say better. Since people here in The Netherlands just don’t give that much shit about the people they meet on the streets. It’s like everyone’s focused on themselves, which I think is a good thing.
Do you feel well represented?
Not yet, but it’s improving because more and more brown skinned Indonesian girls are seen in social media. People there don’t exactly glorify ‘whiter’ skin as much?
Do you feel like the media is responsible for representation?
Yes, because they are the platform to project tons of information.
What do you miss in media representation, and did you think about it before?
They set such high standards, so a more realistic representation would be much appreciated.
Do you feel like you’re the ‘The Asian Model Minority Myth?
No.
What made you who you are now?
Twitter.
Have people also made comments about you being Chinese?
YEA! When someone makes such comments I (accidentally) roll my eyes at them and muttered ‘dumb fuck,’ I’m not gonna lie, I enjoy their shocked reaction.
What are stereotype Asians in your opinion and where does that come from?
Smart, and that we eat dogs.
Do you see other Asians like those stereotypes?
Smart, yes. but I’ve seen some dumb Asians in my life as well, so, I don’t think it has anything to do with race haha.
Do you know any Javanese/Indonesian stereotypes, and do you identify yourself with that?
That we’re all so nice, and smooth talking. And that we’ll do anything to please others. No, I do not identify myself with that or else people will just take advantage of me.
What stereotypes and comments have you heard about your appearance?
That I’m too dark for an Asian. I used to be darker than the average kids in my class but I like my skin!
How do you see yourself compared to how others see you?
I see myself as….pretty? But like normal pretty. Since I can be ugly sometimes. But it’s good. Balance, you know.
What do you feel and how do you feel when people make such comments?
Those comments used to hurt my feelings, but as I grew older I just laughed at them because of how much like stupid kids those people sounded.
What racist remarks and discrimination have you experienced?
That all Asians have the virus. My friends and I were on the elevator, I was at the very back of the line. Suddenly, an old guy started walking towards me and stood next to me and casually asked me: “Do u have the virus?”.
So has the racism and discrimination gotten worse with the Coronavirus?
yEeeeeesssSS
What do you feel and how do you feel when people make such comments?
I’m mad as fuck, but he doesn’t speak English well so there’s no way he’d understand me. I should’ve coughed the moment he said that though, the man could’ve had a heart attack thinking he might die.
What is a funny trait or what is something that not everyone knows about you?
I tried to be as positive as possible by making fun of terrible bad things that have happened in my life.
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?
Nah that’s bullshit. There’s nothing wrong with achieving those things in life and thinking that “you’ve made it”. But, I feel like that shouldn’t be the standard for us girls.
Where do you stand now and what are your plans for the future?
Not that I know of yet.
What do you want to give to the readers?
Stay positive and don’t take everything so wholeheartedly or else you’re gonna be so stressed.
What do you hope to achieve?
I want to be happy.
Where can we follow you?