[Listener] As second generation of new immigrant, I am same to all of you - I’m not alone on the path to self identity

[New Immigrant Global News Network] in association with [Listener], publishes their own self identity or family stories of second generation of New immigrants. From their words, it helps the conversations between different cultures to understand each other with consensus. [Listener] is a free consulting NGO platform for New Immigrants and their second generation regarding laws and public health.

This column: “As second generation of new immigrant, I am same to all of you - I’m not alone on the path to self identity” is written by Jessica Chuang. [New immigrant Global News Network] also translated it into Chinese, English, Vietnamese, Thai and Indonesian.

Author: Jessica Chuang

I used to frighten to admit as a new generation of new immigrants

When I was child, I didn’t dare to admit I’m a biracial. Remember when I was in middle school, students often use the word “labor” to describe immigrant worker, especially those from South East Asia. From the discussion of classmates, I often hear them criticizing New Immigrants such as: Perfume is too strong, Talking with loud voice, dark skin, etc…Although they didn’t look at us with bad attitudes, it always make me uncomfortable when people look at us due to our language and different looks when we hang out with my mother’s Philippino friends.

I also found out, including me, comparing to South East Asian groups, we are more superior than them in our minds. Under this environment, sometimes it bothers me to hide my identity as a biracial or not so that others will not treat me different.

Jessica Chuang (right) takes Philipino relatives to play at Tamsui. Photo provided by Jessica Chuang

Back to hidden HOMETOWN

It was 6 years ago when my last visit to Philippines. After I graduate from middle school, I went with my mother to her hometown. I felt myself like a stranger to those relatives. I don’t know them, I can’t understand their languages, and I don’t know their cultures.

After I my trip to Philippines, I realize they have optimistic personalities. They are easily satisfied unlike their scary stereotype we have on them. Most memorable thing was when the package arrived the relative’s house which was sent before we depart Taiwan, all relatives brings their children surrounding the package in a big circle as if it was a huge gift. I can see smiles with satisfaction on their face even they receive a normal T-shirt.

Jessica Chuang (right) takes Philipino relatives to play at Tamsui. Photo provided by Jessica Chuang

Self Identity.

When people ask me do I speak Philipino, I always shake my head with little guilt. My knowledge of Philippine culture is only up to my mother’s living behaviors. Although there were many times I could learn Tagalog (Philippine official language), but I always gave up half way. I feel regret about it when I recall it.

As for that, I tell myself all the time, it is special as a biracial. I should have more confidence to myself. I build my self identity slowly after I grow up and meet many second generations of New immigrants.

Use our special advantage wisely

After many activities and courses in University, I realize more about using my special advantages wisely. I also found out many people know new immigrants from news or magazines. Those channels only shows little informations of new immigrants and have possibility to create negative stereotypes of them. Thus, I wish I can create more topics and concerns of New Immigrant issue from my actions starting with my friends.

I am also learning Tagalog recently. As I learn more, I want to know more about Philippine cultures and food. After I learn Tagalog, I tried to communicate with my mother too. She was surprised that I am learning it and starts to share more about her cultures with me. After I took action, not only enhance my foreign languages ability, it also decreases the cultural barriers between my mother and me.

Author: Jessica Chuang

Year of Birth: 2002

School: National Chung Cheng university — Department of Finance (Year 3)