Yeqing (25) Teach mathematics in high school and after-school dance classes. Engaged to her best friend. Born in China and moved to the Netherlands in 2006.
What kind of upbringing did you have? There is also a term: “Tiger parents or Tiger mom”. Did you have a similar upbringing?
My mom just wanted me to do my best.
Are there any taboos or things that you can’t discuss with your parents?
Intimate topics, like sex.
Do you feel close with your Asian roots or not?
A little. I don’t have many Asian friends. I especially miss Chinese friends.
Did you ever feel ashamed of you being Asian?
When I was younger I did, but not anymore. . I learned to accept myself after I finished high school.
Did you ever have a role model when you grew up?
No
What do you think of the Asian representation in The Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, many Asians are seen as Chinese. I think it still has a negative charge. Chinese eat ‘weird’ things. Chinese are generally “ugly”. Chinese are nerds. I once received a compliment from a non-Asian friend: I just want to say that you are really a very beautiful Chinese!
Do you feel like you’re the ‘The Asian Model Minority Myth’? x
I have Chinese eyes, but some people think I don’t look Chinese, because of my dress style and makeup?
What made you who you are now?
The place where I was born, and my experiences as the only Chinese person in elementary and high school. Being surrounded by people who love and care about you.
Have people also made comments about you being Chinese? How did you react to this, what did you feel?
Too much… “ching chang chong” used to hurt me, but now I ignore such comments because it’s not worth my time.
What are stereotype Asians in your opinion and where does that come from? Do you see other Asians like those stereotypes?
Asians are smart, Asians eat everything, Asians are geeks.
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?
“You teach math? Chinese are just good with math’ kind of results in the fact that t Chinese children are confronted with higher levels of math from early on.
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?
Too much😅. “Do you eat dog at home” etc.
What is a funny trait or tell something that not everyone knows about you
I’m Chinese and I love dancehall.
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?
Old fashioned way of thinking.
Where do you stand now and what are your plans for the future?
I just want to live my life, do my best and have a positive energy
What do you want to give to the readers?
I hope that others become more aware of what they should / should not say or think when they see an Asian. That they know the difference between racist remarks and a ‘joke’.
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