STEREOTYPES. AND BULLSHIT.

This has been getting more and more on my nerves since I’ve arrived in Brisbane. Firstly, I’ll first admit I do enjoy the occasional racist joke and even partake in some racist jokes sometimes but, there is a fine line and YOU DO NOT WANT TO CROSS THAT LINE. What does that line border on? Joking around and being completely insistent on a stereotype.

Let me illustrate by this:

It is completely fine to have those jokes (especially those online nowadays) that go shows somebody doing something and the caption states – LEVEL: ASIAN. I’m completely fine with that. In fact, I laugh along to it as well. But to completely cloud your mind and insist on a stereotypical view of an Asian is a bloody turn-off. For example, we do NOT all speak CHING CHANG CHONG. In fact, CHING CHANG CHONG DOESN’T EVEN MAKE SENSE IN ANY DAMN ASIAN LANGUAGE.

Why am I talking about this now? Well, I thought I could tolerate all these questions from people since I arrived here but no, I’ve reached my limit already. Today, for the 145810475145^th time (I know I’m exaggerating, so sue me), someone asked me about the weather in China and whether I understood English. It’s fine if you enquire about my understanding of the English language but it is NOT FINE to assume I’m from China, just because I’m Asian. Really, I don’t look at people in Australia and ask: ARE YOU FROM THE US? No, I just don’t lump all of you white people (a little racist but still) into the great big place called the United States of America. Likewise, you should not just assume I’m from China because I look Chinese. I mean, for goodness sake, we Chinese, Japanese, Korean etc all look alike anyway! So please, do not lump all of us together. We are all completely different. Like you guys, we have different customs and language and slang and so on.

Also, English is the first language in Singapore. I understand that most people do not know this so I forgive all of you. But when I speak in English, do not just blurt out: WOW, you speak really good English for a Singaporean. You can comment on how good my English is, but do not associate it with my country. I understand "you speak good English" but I just don't get why people must automatically add "for a Singaporean" at the end. And when I say that English is our first language, really, it's not a big deal. Don't give me the jaw drop wide eyed look. Seriously.

Another thing is guys, I’m from Singapore. Singapore is a small island country at the South-Eastern peninsula of Asia. WE DO NOT BELONG TO CHINA. WE ARE NOWHERE NEAR CHINA SO PLEASE, STOP ASKING US THAT. Singapore enjoys good tourism, trade and military relations with Australia so there is NO EXCUSE to mistake us for some part of CHINA. Really, this is one of the points that irks me the most. You can ask me: Where is Singapore? But do not ask me: Are you guys part of China? In fact, here's a map for you:

As you can see, Singapore is far from China

 Next, being Asian doesn’t automatically make me SMART. I don’t get straight As, I do fail subjects. Don’t give me that shock face when I say that or tell me: BUT YOU’RE ASIAN. People, I will bitch slap you. I don’t look at you guys and say: WOW YOU GUYS ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT SCHOOL based on the stereotype that Australians are lazy right? So yes, you would not like someone to say that about you so please do not say that about me/ other Asians.

Yes, I am doing a Bachelor of Arts. No, I’m not doing Business or Sciences or Economics or Medicine. JUST BECAUSE I’M ASIAN DOES NOT MEAN THAT I HAVE TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN THOSE AREAS. I’ve had more people come up to me and immediately say: “Hey, are you in Business?” as compared to the people asking me: “What are you studying in uni?” So yes, please do not give me a shocked face when I say I’m doing Arts. I find that really insulting.

Yes I’m Chinese but no, I’m a Singaporean. They are not the same thing. My race is Chinese, my nationality of Singaporean. Just because I’m Chinese doesn’t mean I’m from China. Also, just because I’m Chinese (or even Asian for that matter), I do not eat dogs and cats. In fact, we don’t even eat those in Singapore. I don’t mind (sometimes) if you ask me: Do you guys eat dogs and cats in Singapore? But I definitely mind if you immediately go: EEW, YOU GUYS EAT DOGS AND CATS. Also, I do acknowledge that we Asians do eat some pretty weird food (like pigs intestine or fish eyes). However, this does not give you guys are free pass to comment and constantly go EEEW this is gross that is gross all the damn time. We do not make you eat those stuff, in fact we do not even eat it over here. So please, you can say it once, but don’t keep repeating it over and over again like a broken record. It is not only insulting but also, annoying.

Also, Asians have a thing called Filial Piety. No, it doesn’t mean we are goody two-shoes. It means we respect our parents. We are very family oriented. When we say something, or when we do things in respect to our parents’ wishes, and even if that goes against what you wish to do (for example, we might decline to stay out late everyday partying), that still does not give you the right to keep on dissing us, and our parents, and our customs. I’ve heard people go: “Oh you guys and your Asian parents, forever so strict. That’s so dumb, they’re so dumb. Why can’t they let you go out and party? That’s just stupid.” Yes, I’ve actually heard people say that to me before and I’ll tell you, it took me a lot of willpower not to slap that bastard (for lack of a better word) in his face. You might not understand it, so try to understand it. Do not immediately just shoot your mouth off. Because then, you’ll just look like one big fat idiot.

People have to understand that they are not the center of the universe. The world does not revolve around them. Their race is not superior to other race. Just because their race might sometimes be slightly more affluent than others does not mean they can constantly rag on others. For goodness sake, this is the 21^st Century already, can’t people just be more open-minded these days? There are tons of people moving across borders to live, work, study etc. Being narrow-minded and closed to the difference between people is just dumb. Always attempt to understand others and where they’re coming from, what values and virtues guide their life. You might not agree with it but at least, respect it. The day that people humble themselves and attempt to further understand others, it will be wonderful. As Bono said:

“To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.”

That’s really all I’m asking for; just a little more respect. It will definitely make the world a better place. And to conclude, I'll end with a quote.

“I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”

~ Jackie Robinson