Dutch/German | Chinese/Native American/Surinamese
My Mom didn’t always feel welcomed in my Father’s family. Especially in Chinese culture, they tend to see their children be with someone of their own race. It’s quite ironic since my Grandparents from my Father’s side are the prime example of a mixed marriage. I guess my Father’s siblings felt a certain pride being Chinese, Surinam, and that level of hierarchy was rooted deep within them and took it with them back to the Netherlands. My Mom never lashed out on any of them and accepted that things are the way they are.
I've never hidden part of my identity because my identity is not ethnically based. It is who I choose to be, and that's not defined by the blood that runs through my veins. It’s a combination of my norms and values and cultural influences that I made my own. That I ‘identify’ with. It's a choice really, and I don't regret my choice for being me. I hope that people try to look beyond their culture. It's good to value your culture but try to see what values you have. Not indoctrinated cultural values that might not fit your own personal values. Observe, learn, but most of all, feel. Use in life what feels right to you, discard what does not. Keep an open mind and be respectful to each other and other people's mindset. I would also recommend everyone should experience living abroad. Preferably a country that is the direct opposite of your own country, in terms of culture. Broaden your horizon, inhale the experience, and let it make you richer in terms of personal growth.
People tend to fear what they don't understand. To tackle racial inequality to me, means creating understanding, and that starts with education. Teach children at a young age about human values so that the color of your skin won't matter. Create awareness of the different cultures and most of all the overlapping norms and values that we all share, instead of focusing too much on the differences. We're humans, as long as love is the centerpiece of our pathway of life, then different religion, country, skin color, being mixed or not, all don't matter.
Sign up to Patreon or Subscribe to our website to read more stories