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As an Asian-Canadian, I can’t count how many times this
has happened to me

By Carlo Alcos On November 18,
2013 · 5
Comments

SO MAYBE the above scenario is slightly exaggerated. Then again, for many
citizens of Canada/USA/England/Australia who are of Asian descent, it’s probably
bang on. I’m Filipino by heritage, but was born and raised in Canada. I’ve
always considered myself Canadian first and foremost. The worst part is, I don’t
look like a typical Filipino. Not many people can guess my heritage. I get
Spanish, South American, even Indian (both from India and Native American). I
can blend well into any country made up mostly of brown people. In Cuba I can be
Cuban; in Mexico I can be Mexican; in Thailand I can be Thai. I’ve even been
asked if I was Chinese while in China.

But once people are on to it and know I’m Filipino, I get statements of
similar sentiment as those in the video above. Technically it’s probably racist,
but I can certainly understand the phenomenon. If I’m perfectly honest, I’ve
done the same thing when I’ve met people who were from some country I’ve visited
and made some connection with. Having lived in Australia for two years I can’t
help but feel a certain affinity for anyone from down under. Even if they’re
from New Zealand (I knew a lot of Kiwis in Oz).

More like this: How
to piss off an Asian American

And that’s what I feel it’s all about. The intention is making connection, to
show an appreciation for a culture. Of course I get where this can all go wrong,
like when the person is trying to prove he/she isn’t racist or homophobic (“I
have lots of gay friends! I love your people.”).

For me it’s trying to discern the intent. If it’s coming from an innocent
place of respect I can let these transgressions slide.

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About The Author

Carlo Alcos

Carlo is the Dean of Education at MatadorU
and a Managing Editor at Matador. Like him on Facebook
and follow him on Twitter. He lives
in Nelson, British Columbia.

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view all → Carlo Alcos

UncleB

Canadians, isolated all these generations, find fascination in folks from
Asia! So varied, so many different countries from such a large world! Please
do not be offended by our curiosity, our natural interest. Respond with
friendship and warmth and acceptance, and expect responses in
kind.

http://matadornetwork.com/ Carlo Alcos

I think that’s part of the issue…you’re conflating being Canadian with
being of European descent. My heritage may be Filipino but I identify as
being Canadian (I was born and raised here). When you say “Canadians” who do
you have in mind? What do they look like?

UncleB

Less recent, more fully integrated folk of course, regardless of racial or
ethnic origins, if they can even trace them?

Dani Mac

Guinness and Top of the Morning is fucking Irish, ffs

venusia11

As a congolese, I get that too. People always assume I’m haitian and when I
say I’m not they’re “Then what are you?”. Its like,
seriously?

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