Writing POC 101

Chinese EurAsian Characters - @nonfictionsim

Chinese EurAsians tend to struggle with the same issue wherever they go.

"Where are you from?"

"England." (For me).

"No, where are you really from?"

I don't think I can tell you the number of times I have been asked that exact loop of questions. Some people will attempt be subtle by using the words 'ethnically' or asking you about your parents. But, really, it's the same thing: you don't fit in anywhere. Ever.

Let's just run down the basics.

There are two kinds of EurAsians. The ones with parents who were together before immigration. These families are generally as described by deadbatteries in her 'Chinese American Characters' segment. Make reference to that if you wish to write something like that.

Then there's the two Asian immigrants who come together in the country of origin. Generally are like the 'Chinese American Characters', but they tend to vary, depending on how well their parents integrated into society. Most of these families will speak a mix of the host language (English, Italian - wherever your story is based) and their native language. Plus, their meals? They tend to be pretty Westernised, although they'll never go a day without an asian meal somewhere. It's little differences that you notice between this and my next example: one native, one immigrant (like my family). But, these families will generally have one or two Chinese meals daily and they will, indeed, snack and shop mostly at Asian stores.

Now, here's the one that I can give you the most experience on. The EurAsian that looks not as Asian. Or, in other words, the most 'Fasian' as they come. This is generally a third generation child (family came, had kids, kids had kids) - although, I'm actually second, but moving on. Most of them will not speak Asian. They'll probably eat Chinese, cooked by a parent at home in the evenings and loosely abide to Chinese traditions, but mostly, it's just morals. The basics, respect elders, always do the cleaning, help them cook, set up the table, yes - use chopsticks, we're not that fake.

These families exist in many forms, from the expat family where an Englishman/Italian/whatever went over to a country and brought back a spouse.

Getting more detailed. In the U.K., if that is where your story is going to be set, most 'Chinese' immigrants will in fact originate from Hong Kong and speak Cantonese, not Mandarin. This is because of the British Empire and such, but we'll skip the history lesson. So, what's the difference? Well, they speak a different language. That 'dimsum' (food of the heart) stuff you probably eat at Chinese Restaurants at lunch is most popular there - it's that steamed stuff that comes in those knitted-yellow pot things.

But, most of all, Mainland Chinese people can't understand them, period. However, most Cantonese speakers understand Mandarin. It's sort of like posh British person trying to understand a thick-accented Scot. It's just not going to happen.

So far I've been pretty vague. Therefore, I'm going to be doing a much more thorough analysis here.

Stereotypes

The Child

There are three VERY well known stereotypes.

1. The Smart Asian. Good musician.

2. The Dumb One.

Although these can seem to be prominent, it's simply not true. For example, the not as mentally developed one, in terms of mathematics, English and Sciences, tends to excel in various sporting fronts. Although, I'm not going to repeat what what said by illusoire, so reference back to her entry called 'Chinese Characters'.