This is so interesting because I have never had anyone ask me "Where are you from?" or "What are you?" without me answering with one swift breath, "I'm Chinese-Canadian but from Malaysia". It's never just one of those three options because I have always felt strongly that each of them are equally important and to not mention any part of it is to not acknowledge or to erase that part of my identity. I've had someone ask me why I don't just say I'm Canadian, and it's not that I'm NOT Canadian or that I feel being simply Canadian is lacking in any way. My brother for example responds with "Canadian" which I totally understand too. But for myself, it's just not complete!
Context! That nuance and non erasure of self matters to you. Your answer vs your brother’s reveals what matters to each of you and speaks to your unique though shared stories. Love this!
This is so interesting because I have never had anyone ask me "Where are you from?" or "What are you?" without me answering with one swift breath, "I'm Chinese-Canadian but from Malaysia". It's never just one of those three options because I have always felt strongly that each of them are equally important and to not mention any part of it is to not acknowledge or to erase that part of my identity. I've had someone ask me why I don't just say I'm Canadian, and it's not that I'm NOT Canadian or that I feel being simply Canadian is lacking in any way. My brother for example responds with "Canadian" which I totally understand too. But for myself, it's just not complete!
Context! That nuance and non erasure of self matters to you. Your answer vs your brother’s reveals what matters to each of you and speaks to your unique though shared stories. Love this!