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Link: White on White
I tend to focus on Asian identity and Korean Adoptee identity because of the topic of my blog. We talk about racism and people almost always associate racism with Caucasians. This, of course, is not fair because because I know my fair share of racist Korean Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Black Americans, etc…
So, when I saw this article about a study about “whiteness,” I thought good for them. Minorities are told to feel pride in their race – embrace their race, but I think many Caucasian people are afraid to do this with any force. If they do, there is a fear of backlash or that they will automatically be associated with White supremacy groups and other such organizations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being White and they can’t stop being the majority simply because they want to – it all has to do with population growth, immigration, etc…
A part of my job is Affirmative Action, so I rarely forget that “White” is a race as well as a color. I spend a good part of each week wading through race and gender data to make sure that my company meets federal compliance regulations. However, the emphasis is always on the minority races. Everyone wants to know what the minority groups are doing. I can see where it would be very easy to start overlooking the fact that there is a majority race. Funny how White can be a majority, but easily forgotten at the same time. Though, it is never forgotten when something bad happens.
As a Korean adoptee, I walk the line between Asian and White. When I am asked to self-identify, my pen always hovers over the page for a moment before I decide which box to check. I always check Asian, but I have always felt that by checking that box I am skewing someone’s data. Though physically I am Asian, culturally, I’m something else. It’s actually very confusing sometimes and I can’t tell you how hard I have to fight to keep myself from checking that “other” box.
If you would like to comment, but not on this site, please e-mail me at adoptkoreablog@adoptionmail.com.
Great post, Mo, as usual. Shortly after our Chinese foreign exchange student arrived, she said something about someone being a “banana”! Yellow on the outside, white on the inside! That really threw me… I had heard the term “oreo” but not “banana”.
We have met a wonderful Korean family across the street and both my Chinese girls are enjoying our time with them. I am becoming good friends with the mom, language issues notwithstanding. They are only here for a year and have only been here less than two months. I love the cross-cultural connection that enriches an already fun relationship… just “normal” friendship.