Comments on: Not the real thing

By: I want to go to BlogHer ‘09! « Wife and Mommy

I want to go to BlogHer ‘09! « Wife and Mommy — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:33:51 +0000

[...] you’re at it, go take a look at one of my favorite thoughtful posts, which I hope exemplifies the type of blogging I do, or hope to do [...]

By: Jen@OurDailyBigTop

Jen@OurDailyBigTop — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:15:02 +0000

I get that question all the time even from other Asians. I deflect as long as I can b/c I know what’s really being asked. I think I’ve just accepted that I’ll always be questioned even though I was born here. I think people are just naturally curious but the fact that she said you are not the real thing…that’s just rude!

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:51:51 +0000

Really, she said “oh you’re not the real thing?” That’s outrageous. Who says that. I hope she was kicking herself all the way home.

I used to get that question a lot. People were always trying to decide if I was Italian, Greek, or Jewish. Apparently there are many similarities. Imagine their confusion with one of my best friends who is all three!

By: Thien-Kim

Thien-Kim — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:06:56 +0000

I get that question a lot too. I think it’s harder to hear from an acquaintance too. Though saying that you’re not the real thing is very rude.

When I was in college I worked at a fabric store. I followed these 2 older (white) ladies around, asking if they needed help. They looked lost. Well they finally went up to my coworker (white man) and asked for help. He, being every so cheeky, asky why they didn’t ask me for help. “Oh we didn’t know she spoke English”

I feel your pain. I do appreciate those that take the forethought to phrase their questions about my ethnic background in a polite manner. If only everyone asked,”What is your ethnic background?” as opposed to “Where are you from?”

By: aunt mommy

aunt mommy — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:36:23 +0000

Because people like things that are different? And exotic, and sexy, and you’re “faux” exotic?

No, you’re not the real thing. Coke is the real thing, and she needs to remember that’s a trademark of the Coca-Cola corporation.

I’ve gotten kind of … anticipatory and advancely apologetic about it. Yes, but no, I don’t speak the language. No, I don’t harvest, dry, and lime my own corn, I use a mix from the grocery store when I make “homemade”.

But look at it this way; if you are a fake Korean, at least you aren’t a cheap knock-off. Only the best.

By: KC

KC — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:07:03 +0000

It’s because if your parents came from Italy, say, you wouldn’t be asked where you are “from.” Maybe what ethnicity are you. But because of the way you look, you are automatically considered not from here. Even if you have only known America.

I totally know what that’s all about. (don’t ask me why)

I get the question ALL THE TIME. (and I’m from NJ)