Yuki (18) is born in China and raised in The Netherlands. Her parents are both Chinese, and worked a lot. Growing up, Yuki lived with her aunt in a multi cultural environment. She identifies herself as Chinese. She studies international business.
What kind of upbringing did you have? There is also a term: “Tiger parents or Tiger mom”. Did you have a similar upbringing?
Since my parents worked a lot, I lived with my aunt. She wasn’t too strict and I could do a lot. This is I guess my way of growing independent. However whenever my mom was around, she was really strict, but that was only once a week.
Are there any taboos or things that you can’t discuss with your parents?
There isn’t really a taboo, it’s just really awkward. My parents are really open minded and let me be me.
Do you feel close with your Asian roots?
I feel pretty close to my roots, we speak Chinese at home and I often play video games with Chinese people. I study international business with Chinese as main foreign language. We do a lot of research about it the Chinese culture.
Did you ever feel ashamed of you being Asian?
I have never felt ashamed of being Asian, my environment was really multicultural and I had quite lot of Asians around me.
Did you ever had a role model when you grew up?
I don’t have a role model…
What do you think of the Asian representation in The Netherlands?
I don’t know….
Do you feel like you’re the model minority myth?
I’m really the opposite of the myth. i’m not super smart, I’m really bad at math and I’m also not particularly short.
What made you who you are now?
My independent childhood and my friends. I guess somehow it was also social media
Have people also made comments about you being Chinese?
I often heat some catcalling on the streets, which I ignore because it has no use to reply to them. But beside these comments all the other ones are rather positive
What are stereotype Asians in your opinion and where does that come from?
The stereotype is short, smart and ugly. I guess it some from western movies
What stereotypes and comments have you heard about your appearance?
What I hear often is that I’m really tall for an Asian. They expect most of the Asian to be short and silent.
What racist remarks and discrimination have you experienced?
I grew up and live in a really multicultural environment so I haven’t been discriminated.
What is a funny trait or tell something that not everyone knows about you?
I play video games everyday for 8 hours straight.
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 we think of grew out of this idea. Parents used to pressure their children to get married. it’s fine to not get married now and it’s also okay to not take kids.
Where do you stand now and what are your plans for the future?
I just want to get my bachelors degree and start working and earn money!
What do you want to give to the readers? What do you hope to achieve?
Be yourself, life your life
Where can we follow you?
@yukii_wu