[Aviva]

As a biracial (Chinese/white) person, I too have felt the pressure to “pick” one side/race over the other. I feel, though, that it is impossible to do that without denying a part of myself. We live in a society of boxes and categories. Because we, as biracial people, do not fit clearly into one of these boxes, society does not know what to do with us. This is entirely evident on forms that ask for race – there is no biracial box (I always choose “other”). We also do not fit into the boxes in people’s minds. I can’t tell you how many times I get, “What are you?” because my appearance does not match up with people’s preconceived notions of what an Asian or Jewish person should look like. People who are 100 percent one race/culture have it easy in the sense that they can look to their parents and community as a source of identification. If both your parents are Chinese, there is no doubt you are Chinese. It is more difficult for a biracial person because we have no defined community. I am not entirely what my mother is, nor am I what my father is. You must forge your own identity as “both.” Understand that most people will feel the need to categorize you, but don’t let it get to you. They just need to find a place in their cluttered minds to put you because it is safer for them. Be proud of both sides and do not give in to people or situations who compel you to “pick” -you would be denying a part of yourself.

Biracial identity is a pendulum. There will be times when you feel you may identify with one side more than the other. I guarantee you the pendulum will continue to swing back and forth throughout your lifetime.

User Detail :  

Name : Aviva, Gender : F, Race : Chinese/white (Jewish), Age : 22, City : New York, State : NY, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Upper middle class, 

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