07/03/19
Week 2
In the first reading,
"Part Asian, 100% Hapa: A Retrospective," it focuses on the idea of
hapa. Hapa means half in Hawaiian. It was first used initially used as a
derogatory term to describe someone as half Hawaiian and half white. Now it is
often used as a phrase to describe anyone part Asian. Many onlookers assume you
are only of the race that has the dominant phenotype. As a parent, some assume
you are unrelated to your children.
Being mixed or any
race other than white can be challenging. Even though I am not mixed, I can
still relate to the feeling of having an identity crisis or having to verbally
explain to others what race I am. I am full Punjabi, Indian, but from my
looks, I tend to get many other races other than Indian. People usually think that I
am Mexican, Persian, or Egyptian. I have had Spanish speaking individuals come up to me and start talking to me in their language. I think it is funny, because they simply assume I am Spanish or Mexican from my looks. Ever since I was little, I always had to
correct and explain to others about my race. Growing up in Wisconsin, and being
the only Indian student at my elementary school was hard. I always felt
different. But now, just like Shane from the reading, I am proud to be the race
that I am.
Why has the meaning of the term "hapa" changed throughout the years?
Why has the meaning of the term "hapa" changed throughout the years?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob-qmfvnQVo
No comments:
Post a Comment