Growing up in a boarding school in New York, living with roommates from China, Switzerland, and other beautiful countries. I believe that I got lucky to share my ethnicity and learn their culture.
Every night after study halls, I would ask them; “How is life in Mexico, must be beautiful isn’t it?” My face grinning as I sat there waiting curiously what my study mate would say. When they share their culture and ethics, I felt like I am looking the snowy mountains and swimming in the cold winter sea, it felt as if I were there. I am in love with the diversity of my boarding school, but I also realized not all of us can appreciate the beauty of it. Other people could be ignorant and ask questions that I found disturbing:
1. "Your parents must be hella rich, amirite?"
Are we supposed to say yes? We know it and so? That might sound too cocky. And if we said no, we are too “humble.”
Is this a rhetorical question? More questions can arise from this question. Just being straight deviated, it is not a real problem like a water scarcity, but why is my parent’s income relevant to any of your life events? Do we have to feel miserable about it?
This question is highly unnecessary and irrelevant. It might make the person that was questioned uneasy, it made someone feel like they do not belong to the community.
2. "How come your English is so perfect?"
Thank you, but English is my first language.
Tip: Do not assume someone’s ability to speak a language in a first encounter. I can guarantee you that some of my international friends speak better English than the native speaker. Also, some people are not able to speak the language where they come from. So, don’t judge a book by its cover.
3. "It must be hard, isn’t it?"
No time for pity.
4. Am I pronouncing your name right?
No. But we let it pass because it is hard to pronounce DAY-zee when it is written as Daisey.
5. "You look exotic! Where are you from?"
These questions are usually followed up with a statement such as, “Your eyes are not that squinty.” “Oh, that’s why you have such chinky eyes.” “No wonder why your skin is super pale!” “That’s why you are wearing a veil!” “Wow, you are beautiful for a (name an ethnicity) girl.”
These are just some of the comments that I have heard, either thrown by my friends or strangers that I have crossed path with. There is something jarring and disturbing about being faced with racism. I don’t know if they intend to make one feel uncomfortable, but every time I hear these comments, I am always left with some shocking reactions without knowing what I am supposed to answer. I am totally mistaken if I think that society has been striving for equality.
Having heard these comments made me realize that there are still people that want to separate people based on their looks or ethnicity, no matter the background of where they come from.
6. *Assuming where you are from*
Are you from (name the country)? Just don’t assume.
7. "Where is that accent from?"
French. Sexy, isn’t it?
8. "Can you pronounce that? The way you pronounce it is too funny."
I didn’t make fun of you when you can’t pronounce my name, mate.
9. "Can you teach me bad words, please?"
How about not going off people from my country and tell them the only words you know is the bad word?
10. "How can your parents be so cruel to send you far away from home?"
They just have a common sense that by sending me away means I will be more prepared for the real world and the future ahead of me. Not only I can be more independent, but I also learn much more about people and work ethics in another country, I can go on because the reasons are limitless.
Being away from home is not easy, and I take pride in being a strong person throughout this journey. I wish for the many filled fun nights and memorable days in my study abroad days, cheers!
PS: Don’t get us all annoyed again.
