By Sophia Whittemore
AsAmNews Intern
I wrote an article, “Things Hapas Hear”, and it received attention for being relatable. And then it occurred to me that a lot of people from multiracial households deal with this all the time. Look at any online forum to see that “identity” and “ethnic ambiguity” is a giant question that every multiracial kid has to tackle when they get older. A lot of us (not all) suffer from being perpetually confused: how, where, and with what background do we identify? Are we even allowed to complain because we should count ourselves lucky?
I decided it was time that all hapas and other multiracial kids get a happiness post. Let’s pause the identity crisis for a while and get some much-needed support.
Here are ten positive things that hapas NEED to hear in our society. Multiracial kids, if you’re struggling with your identity, remember these ten things.
- Your opinion is valid. Your life experiences, positive or negative, are valid.
- Just because you’re half, it doesn’t mean you’re any LESS whole.
- You never have to pick a side.
- If you DO identify more with one side of your family, it doesn’t mean you are negating the other side. You have plenty of love to give.
- There are others like you in this world. You’re not the only one.
- You’re beautiful. Stop picking your features apart. You don’t NEED to have a certain facial feature or skin color of hairstyle. You’re gorgeous just as you are.
- Your identity is your identity no matter what other people tell you.
- The only person to identify yourself, ultimately, is you.
- Never give in to the stereotypes. You are a person, not a collection of cliches or tropes.
- You have a place in this world.
You heard me, fellow hapas. I’m on your side, every step of the way.
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RE: Things Haps NEED to hear-A hapa happiness Post: Can we get the perspective of a non-european hapa? No offense to Sophia, but as an asian american, I’m always frustrated that the lexicon for hapas on the internet stem mainly from half white/half asian. I understand that there are more half white/half asian hapas, but what about my half latino/half asian, or half black/half asian brothers and sisters? I seldom hear their voice, and would appreciate the opportunity to hear more from them.
Thanks!
RE: Rich on Things Hapas NEED to Hear- A Hapa Happiness Post: OK, non-European Hapas as Rich calls them- here’s your chance. This is an all-volunteer run website, so anyone willing and able is a candidate.
RE: Things Hapas NEED to Hear- A Hapa Happiness Post: This is a bunch of happy hapa drivel.