British | Taiwanese
I identify as a British Taiwanese woman. My Mother is Taiwanese and my Father British. They met in a university library in London. My Father was studying Chinese culture and Mandarin at the time so they could communicate in both broken English and Mandarin.
I’d say date whoever you want, regardless of racial background. What matters is the relationship itself, not what is on the outside. My parents and Grandparents also have the same view. Luckily, both of my parents were accepted by their in-laws despite cultural differences. I appreciate the open-mindedness of my family as I know of many non-Chinese people not being accepted into Chinese families of their significant other. Even though it is far from a priority of mine, I like it when we can share the experience of growing up mixed-race, or both being able to identify with Asian culture. Ultimately, we cannot choose who we fall for, but these qualities are definitely a great bonus!
I am able to call two countries my home and am lucky to identify with two very different cultures. Being bilingual in English and Mandarin has unlocked my passion for learning languages (5 so far). Moreover, having family on different sides of the World has enabled me to travel the World. I am a citizen of the World!
I grew up in White-washed South West London. As a young child, I never noticed the difference in my appearance compared to everyone else around me and I was treated the same. However, at the age of 7, I attended elementary school in Taiwan and that is where the discrimination began. Being the only non-pure Taiwanese in a school of 2,000 students, I stood out. I was the weird foreigner that no one wanted to talk to and thus was excluded and bullied for my different appearance. All the pointing, staring and name-calling made me resent Taiwan for many years. At the age of 17, I realised I wanted to get back in touch with my Taiwanese side and took a Summer trip to Taiwan. It was crazy, as if the whole opinion surrounding 混血兒 (mixed blood children) had taken a 180 degree turn. Suddenly, I was being praised for my ‘beautiful European features’, offered modelling contracts and told by many people that I was the reason why they wanted to have a child with a foreigner. In a space of 10 years, mixed-race people had gone from being shunned from society to being put on a special pedestal and even fetishized.
After turning 18, I began to experience the ‘yellow fever’ phenomenon. Men would approach me in bars, clubs and even on the street telling me how ‘exotic’ I look or how much they love *insert Asian country here*. They would also ask the dreaded question ‘where are you from?’, which I would always reply ‘London’. Almost always, they then ask ‘but, where are you REALLY from?’, as they believe I am just their submissive Asian fantasy and not possibly British in any way at all. I am as British as I am Taiwanese, yet some people cannot accept this.
Growing up in London, I am definitely more British and Taiwanese. However, being in the ethnic melting pot of London, it is also very easy to find Chinese food, cultural exhibitions and other workshops. I speak both English and Mandarin and am currently in the process of listening to and learning Chinese and Taiwanese karaoke songs. From a young age, I have been visiting my family in Taiwan. After graduating from secondary school, I decided to take a gap year in Taiwan where I would go on to study Mandarin reading and writing. Before this, I was completely illiterate in Mandarin. Therefore, this was a big goal of mine, as through this, I could deepen my relationship with my Taiwanese culture by being able to read its literature.
As a child, I wanted to be British. I didn’t want to learn Chinese or visit Taiwan. I just wanted to fit in with the British people around me. Now at the age of 20, I have learned to love and embrace by Taiwanese side. I see the positive sides of having two places to call home and two cultures to identify with. I hold a committee position in the Taiwanese society at my university and plan on living in Taiwan for a few years after I graduate. Half of my heart lies in Taiwan!
I am currently living my best life. It would be a shame to have to start all over again. I love my unique roots, my amazing friends and family, and the diversity of my cultures.