There have been lots of writings and reflection from people that are mixed race and I know there are so many different experiences. Some feel torn between two cultures, some have no connection to neither but I think we all just figure it out and become whoever we want.
So this is the situation. The scene is always the same. Some of the things people say, "Oh did you know Halmoni means grandmother in Korean?" "Is the owner of this shop Korean?" "Why is there a Korean grandmother on these tags?" With a smile on my face I answer, "Yes I do know Halmoni means grandmother in Korean. It is MY Korean grandmother that is on the tags in the shop." Oh and by the way, "I AM THE OWNER & I AM KOREAN!"
I don't mean to complain and I don't write this for sympathy. I am not writing this to name drop or shame anyone but it is something I have to talk about because it is super hurtful. I am not going to internalize it any longer. I will stop replaying the situation over and over again in my head to the point where it brings me to tears.
We live in a world where culture get appropriated all the time but this is not the case. Sometimes I feel like I have to have a photo album handy to show people my Korean mother and/or have some Korean phrases ready for me to recite so that I can prove myself. But that is just me processing out loud. I know that would not help the situation.
I know that it will happen again and again because that is what happens when you wear something on your sleeve...especially something like culture. People are curious creatures and want to ask questions, I get that.
I know who raised me and I know where I come from.