The Perks and Perils of Being Bicultural
It’s cool to be bicultural (i.e., African American, Latino American, Asian American, whatever American) because you can enjoy the richness of two histories, two traditions, two countries to love, and maybe even the blessing of being able to speak two languages.
I have found that being Korean-American is not about being 50% Korean and 50% American (if this indeed held true, my Americanesie-self would be something more like 20:80)–it’s being 100% of both. Korean America is a completely new culture with it’s own distinct language, traditions, inside jokes, and history. It’s a very young history compared to that of our African-American brothers and sisters, but nonetheless dynamic.As beautiful as it can be, there is also some distress–major, major, identity crises. You love yourself, but you hate yourself.
For example–one thing I say quite often is that “Koreans are all passion, no planning.” Amen? Like, WHY CAN’T WE EVER DO THINGS ON TIME?!?!? WITHOUT PROCRASTINATING?!?! WITHOUT DISORGANIZATION AND SLOW COMMUNICATION?!?! OR CAN WE PLEASE JUST DO IT THE RIGHT WAY?!?!!
If you can sense my frustration, it’s because our director informed us on Tuesday that we will be in charge of putting together a formal “sending ceremony” for Friday. But that’s okay. I’m learning. I’m breathing. I’m breathing. I’m learning.
My poor roommate has not slept in the past 38 hours. She’s in charge of making the video. The director called on Wednesday to inform her that it’s no longer one, but two separate videos she needs to make. This is injustice. We need to start a STINTers union for better working conditions. <Just kidding, just kidding, please come to STINT, actually we love working and serving in these conditions, in any condition, it makes us more Christ-like. If anything, we are the most comfortable missionaries in the whole world–clean water, clean streets, sushi, cell phones, and heated toilet seats!> Posted by genieinjapan on March 8th, 2007 filed in Daily Life
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