Dutch/German | Chinese/Native American/Surinamese
I'm a straight mixed Dutch, Chinese, Native American Indian (Arawak tribe), German man born and raised in the Netherlands. I used to be Christian, but over the years I have identified myself more as an atheist that believes in the universe and the law of attraction. Although I'm not denying the presence of God or any other religious belief for that matter. The essence of every religion is love, and I believe that living your life with that core value as a guideline seen through your daily actions, you can't really go wrong (will bring serenity and tranquillity). I'm an early bird, getting up at 05:30 and going straight to the gym for my pre-sunrise body muscle workout. Taking care of your physical health contributes to your mental health and vice versa.
My Dad was born and raised in Suriname; a country located in South America. It ranks high on power distance based on Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. His Father came from China to start a business in Surinam, which is where he met my mixed native American/Chinese Grandmother (she even had a hint of Dutch, African and Jewish blood within her as well). Considering that my Father was raised with a combination of Chinese cultural values and that of Surinam, you can clearly see both are reflected in my Father’s upbringing. Surinam has a laid-back culture with high power distance, yet since my Father is categorized as Chinese, they are considered of a higher status based on the hierarchy level. It’s more collectivistic compared to my Mom’s country The Netherlands where the Dutch or more individualistic.
As a child I have always been fascinated by the martial art wushu aka Kung Fu. My Chinese Grandfather was a great Kung Fu practitioner, doing many demonstrations back in his hometown Shenzhen, China. It was only at a later stage in my life that I started practicing Wushu. First in Beijing China, in the traditional hung gar style, and later in the Netherlands.
My Mother was born in a village called Hoogezand located in the province Groningen in the Netherlands. Her Father was Dutch and her Mother was half German, half Dutch. My Dad left Surinam with his older brother to study in the Netherlands, where he first lived in Amsterdam. A few years later his parents and rest of his siblings moved to the Netherlands and settled in Hoogezand. This is where he met my Mom.
When looking back in my childhood you could see that my parents both valued my siblings and my education. You have to work hard and study hard if you want to achieve something. Both my parents come from a hardworking family, yet my Father and his siblings experienced a lot of freedom while my Grandfather worked hard in his shop to provide for his family. My Father worked hard as well so that me and my siblings could enjoy our youth to the fullest, which we did. I won’t deny that we have been spoiled yet have always been taught that what we receive comes from hard work and that we should never look down on others just because that person has a different income or different job title. My Mom is a hard worker and had to take care of herself a lot earlier compared to my Father. We all value their work ethic, and it was only natural that we wanted to get a side job early on as well. Not because we needed to but because we saw the value of experiencing labor work. My Grandfather taught my Mom the art of Chinese/Surinam Cuisine while my Father enjoyed the traditional Dutch meals from my Mom as well. So, I was raised with both of my parent’s home country meals growing up.
My Mom didn’t always feel welcomed in my Father’s family. Many times, she felt like an outsider because of her White skin. Luckily, she was accepted by some of my Aunts and Uncles and learned to cope with it over the years. Especially in the Chinese culture, they tend to see their children be with someone of their own race. It’s quite ironic since my Grandparents from my Father’s side are the prime example of a mixed marriage. I guess my Father’s siblings felt a certain pride being Chinese, Surinam, and that level of hierarchy was rooted deep within them and took it with them back to The Netherlands. Nevertheless, my Mom never lashed out on any of them and accepted that things are the way they are. My Father is aware of this and has tried to talk with the family, but it’s hard to change one’s cultural and mindset overnight. Things are stable though and we only see most of the family during birthday parties, where we all treat each other respectfully enough.
My Father has only visited Surinam once in the last 35 years. He always wanted to go back, but instead he chose to go on European holidays with me, my sisters and Mom. 2 years ago he finally went back to his roots for a few weeks, together with my Mom. At home we spoke Dutch. I do understand a little bit of the Surinam language Sranan, since my Father spoke it a lot on the phone and when his family came to visit (or on birthday parties), but we were never intentionally raised bilingual. I don’t really mind to be honest, since my interests lie more in my Chinese roots, rather than my Surinam roots. My Mom quite enjoys the Surinam music, and my Dad enjoys certain Dutch music. Surinam parties were the best!
Ever since coming back to The Netherlands and started working at my old job, I felt stuck in time, I felt caged within my own creativity. I work with the mentally and physically disabled as a caretaker. Although I absolutely enjoy my work as a caretaker and love my clients, I felt torn away from my passion, which is acting. Half year ago, I finally made the decision to cut down on my hours. Less hours means less money, but more time. That time I’m using to reach out to my inner passion and reignite the flame of pursuing my career. Since I’ve been focusing my career path for 6 years in Indonesia, it does feel like a new challenge to continue it in The Netherlands. It’s draining and sometimes makes me lose balance, since a part of my longs for going back to Asia. Although with the Covid situation, I have to accept how it is for now, and focus on The Netherlands for the time being. Reading the book, the Atomic Habits that I received as a gift from a loved one has helped me to make those 1% daily improvements.
I've never hidden part of my identity because my identity is not ethnically based. My identity is who I choose to be, and that's not defined by the blood that runs through my veins. My identity is a combination of my norms and values and cultural influences that I made my own. That I ‘identify’ with. It's a choice really, and I don't regret my choice for being me.
Any person that is following his /her own passion is a role model for me. Fear and doubt sometimes greet me. Not following the ‘norm’ of what society considers a ‘normal’ job can put a lot of constrain in your mind. Those that tap into their inner strength and true potential and follow it with passion, inspire me greatly to do the same. I feel powerful seeing them shine. I do have a lot of respect for Dutch Comedian Hans Teeuwen and Canadian actor Jim Carrey for their creativity. Other talented actors like Tom Hanks, Ricky Gervais, Tom Hardy & Matthew McConaughey I have deeply respect for.
In my opinion people tend fear what they don't understand. To tackle racial inequality to me, means creating understanding, and that starts with education. Teach children at a young age about human values so that the color of your skin won't matter. Create awareness of the different cultures and most of all the overlapping norms and values that we all share, instead of focusing too much on the differences. Make children curious about one’s culture. Get familiar with it, not be estranged to it.
If you're referring to my ethnic background, then one of the positives is actually my mixed appearance. When I was living in Indonesia, I was working quite well at the talent agency I was under. Having an Asian look, yet with a western touch, (and the other way around) made it interesting for clients to cast me for the role. At the same time, in the Netherlands, I have noticed that for certain parts I'm not Asian enough, and other parts I'm not ‘Western/White’ enough. Although I do have to compliment the industry here that they're trying to mix different cultures in commercials a lot more in recent years, the use of actual mixed individuals is therefore overlooked sometimes.
I have lived in China for a few months. It was a great experience. Particularly the food and nature. I decided to visit my family over there. It was the first time that I've seen them, yet they welcomed me with open arms. The amount of respect they showed me for being the Grandson of Ting Chung (my Grandfather) was quite overwhelming. I was younger than all my cousins, yet they all had to call me Uncle. I insisted they called me Andy or master Andy (just kidding) but that would be impolite. As a form of respect they had to call me Uncle. Family and hierarchy is very important to them and respected that. In the future I would love to visit Surinam, to see where my Father was born and raised and also learn more about my Native American tribe.
I have realized that a person's background is not detrimental to feeling connected. I applaud individuals having a different perspective on life, and one’s cultural background can shape the way they view things. But keeping an open mind and seeing things through other eyes can broaden my horizon and my view on life as well. We're humans, as long as love is the centre piece of our pathway of life, then different religion, country, skin color, being mixed or not, all don't matter to me.
I suppose living in a multicultural country such as the Netherlands makes it easier for every race to receive equal rights in almost every sector. Let's just say that to me, racial inequality is less noticeable in general. That being said, I have noticed that Asians do not take up a huge time slot in the Dutch media (e.g., Television). I have no idea why that is though.
Aside from going to Surinam festivities or birthday parties, I do not follow any specific traditions. I do wish my Chinese family a happy Chinese New year since that's the most appreciated tradition from my Chinese's family side, but other than that, most traditions are purely Dutch based. Traditions such as celebrating Sinterklaas, Christmas, and visiting our Grandparents during New year. Koningsdag to celebrate the King's birthday and watching the European/World football cup can't be missed no matter in what country I am. Those are very Dutch, and I do follow them with joy.
I hope that people try to look beyond their culture. It's good to value your culture but try to see what values you have. Not indoctrinated cultural values that might not fit your own personal values. Observe, learn, but most of all feel. Use in life what feels right to you, discard what does not. Keep an open mind and be respectful to each other and other people's mindset. I would also recommend everyone should experience living abroad. Preferably a country that is the direct opposite of your own country, in terms of culture. Broaden your horizon, inhale the experience and let it make you richer in terms of personal growth.
The coronavirus did have an impact on my life. I've always been a traveler, exploring different countries and cultures, and sadly that had to be put on hold. The time in so called ‘isolation’ has helped me to reflect upon my goals and what I truly deem important in my life. When time stands still, it allows us to see and appreciate what we have ‘in the now’. I was able to spend more time with my family and friends and realized how much I value having them in my life. Yet painfully also know that combining my wanderer’s lust and career abroad, makes it even more challenging to combine these values. But knowing them, helps me to incorporate ‘all’ into my goals and way of living. Luckily for me, I find strength and power within challenges!
I don't cry that often to be honest, unless my character needs to cry for a certain scene. I do recall that I always cry during the movie ‘Warrior’ starring Tom Hardy. That movie gets me every time.