01-20-2017, 01:51 AM
I am a second generation Japanese American. Growing up in a VERY diverse community, I was able to experience so many different cultures and perspectives, along with keeping in touch with my own culture and language which gave me an opportunity to meet even more people throughout my life. I like to describe myself as an open minded and patient person; everyone has their own belief and story to tell and it won't hurt to listen to what they have to say.
My father, on the other hand, is a close minded, traditional and nationalistic person. I found it quite hypocritical, as he came to the United States because he admired the American pop culture and products. He is extremely judgmental and racist, he sometimes uses derogatory terms and make statements like "Koreans are __", "Chinese are __", "Japanese people are more civilized than __", "Japanese __ are the best". He also has a pretty grounded traditional view on gender roles, which I am somewhat okay with but at some point it concerns me when he starts to objectify my mother and I.
Side note: I believe nationalism has both good and bad interpretations. Many should be encouraged to be proud in their origins and/or nationality, but when that pride escalates to bringing others down like racism and segregation, I belive that is extremely inappropriate.
Now, the reason I've decided to create a forum was because of an incident that happened today. My friend invited me to go on a camp to a nearby nature reserve with his Christian youth group, and was offered to have all of my expense paid because I am a first timer. I thought this was good to be true so obviously I discussed with my mother first. She was fine with the idea of me participating the camp because there were enough information about the chaperones, camp activities, safety, et cetera. She suggested me to also talk to my father about the camp, and that's when things went downhill. My father went hysterical; he accused my friend for "trying to brainwash me" and that I will "come home as a mindless Christian" (I forgot to mention, our family is sort of Buddhist for traditions but usually non religious, but my parents especially my father are pretty darn superstitious).
He then started throwing insults at me for being "dumb and oblivious" and that "people will cheat off of me in the real world". When he asked for my friend's full name, he saw that my friend's last name was from a Chinese background, so he himself continued to mindlessly throw racist remarks about my friend. I felt very hurt because I wanted to take this too-good-to-be-true opportunity to learn about some religious aspects, enjoy nature, and meet new people. I'm also shocked that he even used the racist card against my friend just because he invited me to the camp.
As I'm typing this, I'm starting to think that my father may be right and I shouldn't be exposed to too much things in this world that can make me very vulnerable. I really do want to believe that there is some good in everyone, but I'm guessing that reality isn't as friendly and optimistic than I have thought.
My rant has gotten pretty long, but thank you to whoever is reading this. It would be nice if I receive some opinions about my
My father, on the other hand, is a close minded, traditional and nationalistic person. I found it quite hypocritical, as he came to the United States because he admired the American pop culture and products. He is extremely judgmental and racist, he sometimes uses derogatory terms and make statements like "Koreans are __", "Chinese are __", "Japanese people are more civilized than __", "Japanese __ are the best". He also has a pretty grounded traditional view on gender roles, which I am somewhat okay with but at some point it concerns me when he starts to objectify my mother and I.
Side note: I believe nationalism has both good and bad interpretations. Many should be encouraged to be proud in their origins and/or nationality, but when that pride escalates to bringing others down like racism and segregation, I belive that is extremely inappropriate.
Now, the reason I've decided to create a forum was because of an incident that happened today. My friend invited me to go on a camp to a nearby nature reserve with his Christian youth group, and was offered to have all of my expense paid because I am a first timer. I thought this was good to be true so obviously I discussed with my mother first. She was fine with the idea of me participating the camp because there were enough information about the chaperones, camp activities, safety, et cetera. She suggested me to also talk to my father about the camp, and that's when things went downhill. My father went hysterical; he accused my friend for "trying to brainwash me" and that I will "come home as a mindless Christian" (I forgot to mention, our family is sort of Buddhist for traditions but usually non religious, but my parents especially my father are pretty darn superstitious).
He then started throwing insults at me for being "dumb and oblivious" and that "people will cheat off of me in the real world". When he asked for my friend's full name, he saw that my friend's last name was from a Chinese background, so he himself continued to mindlessly throw racist remarks about my friend. I felt very hurt because I wanted to take this too-good-to-be-true opportunity to learn about some religious aspects, enjoy nature, and meet new people. I'm also shocked that he even used the racist card against my friend just because he invited me to the camp.
As I'm typing this, I'm starting to think that my father may be right and I shouldn't be exposed to too much things in this world that can make me very vulnerable. I really do want to believe that there is some good in everyone, but I'm guessing that reality isn't as friendly and optimistic than I have thought.
My rant has gotten pretty long, but thank you to whoever is reading this. It would be nice if I receive some opinions about my
(This post was last modified: 01-20-2017, 01:56 AM by yukiyuki.)
