Does your family ever think you’re “racist” for not knowing some of your race?
I’m mixed (well, that’s why I’m on this sub), 50% Ecuadorian and 50% Vietnamese with a bit of Chinese mixed in. Growing up, my dad was at work when I was at home, so I learned more Vietnamese from my mom and her side. This naturally led me to knowing more Vietnamese and no Spanish. Whenever I’m with my dad, and he says some stories from Ecuador or a Spanish joke, he always is a bit disappointed when I don’t understand. In family gatherings with my Spanish side of the family, I always feel left out—not knowing the food, the stories, the language. It’s always so awkward trying to understand the bits I know and they always need someone else to translate for me.
I’ve always been “yelled” at by my Asian family for “not liking certain Vietnamese foods that are really good,” and they say “Oh, you just like Spanish foods more.”
Same thing with my Spanish family—I don’t eat most of the food due to not growing up with that food often, and they say “Oh, why don’t you like it? You probably like those Asian things more.”
Sometimes they’ll even call me “Ecuadorian one” or “Chinese one” because I can’t relate with both sides as much as others.
And for quick context, I’m some of the only mixed ones in the family.
Even trying to learn Spanish has always been hard, and writing in Vietnamese is also difficult.
Even at school, when I tell someone about my heritage, they act differently to me just because I can’t speak Spanish like they do. I also always get asked “Can you speak Chinese?!”
I don’t know how to feel anymore. Sorry if this rant was too long.