Am I White or Chinese?
In the essay “Notes of a Native Speaker” , written by Eric Liu, Liu brags on and on that he is white even though he is not. I think that this essay makes Liu sound like he is maybe embarrassed that he is Chinese and is trying to be another person. I definitely disagree with the stereotypical analysis he makes of white people when at the beginning of the essay he lists some ways that someone could tell he was white. For example wearing khaki Dockers and marrying a white woman.
There are many colored people that wear khaki Dockers. Today there are so many interracial couples that live very happy together with no racial problem. I think that in Liu’s essay he explains how he grew up having white friends and he learned so many things when he went to visit his white friends. Things that he did not learn at home, like saying thank you and you’re welcome.
I think that Liu is convinced that he is a white person because he has grown up mainly thinking that he is. I don’t think that should be the case because he should be able to admit that he is Chinese and that he is not embarrassed to say it or to demonstrate it.
17 comments:
I see your point Lyzetth, going up with a different race can influence your lifestyle, However, I don't think it justifies someone as being that race. People are who they are. If a Chinese man wants to be a "banna" so be it, but deep down as much as he may deny it, he is still Chinese.
I think that Liu was trying to say that he was white due to his acomplishments of lifestyle. Much rather I think that others perceive him as trying to lead what people come to see as a 'white' lifestlye. I don't think he considers himself as white much rather he considers having achieved a 'white' social status.
I personally think Liu was trying to say that he was white because his entire life, he grew up trying to fit in. If that is what he wants to call himself, then I think he should be entitled to that
I agree with you Lyzetth that Eric Liu is being stereotypical in his essay. Liu does seem to associate himself more with white people rather than people of his own race, but maybe that’s easier for him to do. He doesn’t have to worry about the traditions and cultural differences that comes with his own race, which may mean that he can live among the white majority within the United States, and not worry about his own background and the struggles that may come with his background.
I think that Eric Liu had a problem fitting in school since he was different at some point, but I don't tink he didn't like being chinese. I agree with Amanda that he achieved a white social status.
I believe Liu was not saying he is white, I think he is saying he has everything a white man has, but he's Chinese. White people are white, black people are black Chinese is Chinese and there's no other "standers" to being what you are. I think Liu realizes this and excepts he is Chinese and so what?
I agree with what Amanda said about how he has achieved a 'white' social class. He wanted to fit in and now he does. To fit in he left behind a lot of his Chinese background and I wonder if he thinks it was worth it.
It seesms like Liu appreciates that fact that he's considered to be "white" that he loses his own identity.I learned in sociology that people tend to form a self-judgment from other's opinions. This is exactly what Eric Liu did.
I really agree with Lyzetth. Growing up with a certain group of people does not make you them. I think Liu in some way wanted to be white. Otherwise, why would he not be proud with the person that he really is. Either way it goes a person cannot change their race.
I agree with you Cody, on the fact that growing up with a different race can change your traditional lifestyle. But I feel that people are not looking at themselves in those normal sterieotypical roles.
I agree with Lyzetth, Liu should accept being chinese and be proud of it. Just because he does so many things that a white man does that doesn't mean that he is white. He should be happy he's chinese and be proud.
Regardless of whether you are black, white, pink, or polka dot, your accomplishments are based on you alone. I am black, but if I wore dockers, listened to Kenny Rogers CD's, or danced at the country club, does that make me white? We fail to realize that what we say really reflects who we are, and in this case Liu is exactly what he doesn't think he is-IGNORANT!
I agree with Lyzetth, someone should not be asshamed of their heritage. Saying things like "thank you" and "you are welcome" is not part of being white, its how your parents raised you and taught you how to act. I also agree with Amanda in that someone can not just turn white no matter what they do, but achieving what everyone think is "being white" is just a stereotype. I think people should act and live the way they want no matter what race they are from.
I agree with you all who say that one should be proud to be different.
I think also that Liu just wanted to show everybody that people shouldn't stereotype and generalize people, because of their look or background. I think that is why he tried to do everything vice versa.
I agree with what Jamie commented on, liu was living a white mans world and living with them. He is going to feel a part of that culture even if he really is chinese.
I agree with Rebekah I think Liu just wanted to fit in so he tried to convince people that he was white by telling you that things he did and what he wears just to fit in.
I agree with Jamie. You are what you are, and there is no reason to hide it. If people in the world today kept there race hidden then our knowledge of the different races would not be as good as it is. We as a society learn from others, so it is very important for us to share and open up to others.
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