WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM?

Since starting school as a tiny toddler, kids and adults have always liked to ask, "Where are you from?" My initial answer of "America" usually was not enough to satisfy their inquiry. So they follow-up with "Where are you really from?" And then I say "I'm not actually sure" and a large question mark usually manifests on their already puzzled faces.

Ever since Chiang Kai-Shek and the Kuomintang fled China and established the Republic of China in the island of Taiwan, the nation of Taiwan has mostly remained separate from the China (People's Republic of China). Today, many Taiwanese people strongly grasp and emphasize their Taiwanese roots and create a clear distinction between themselves and the mainland Chinese. My parents were both born and raised in Taiwan, but both of them have a majority of ancestors that originated from mainland China.

Since American colonial government declared its independence from Great Britain and established the United States of America, Americans have obviously considered themselves to possess a different ethnicity than the British. The history of Taiwan is a bit more complex. Taiwan (previously Formosa) has been colonized by numerous countries and its people have many bitter experiences with war and oppression. As a result, many Taiwanese desire to possess an independent identity from China.

Today, many Taiwanese customs and traditions are derived from Chinese traditions originating all the way back from the dynastic era. Regardless, the modern-day environment and hospitality of people in the island of Taiwan are clearly unique from that of mainland China. Although many Taiwanese people become upset when they are referred to as "Chinese," I personally believe that both cultures are a part of my cultural identity. Thus, when people ask me where I am really from, I say Taiwanese and Chinese. I embrace both cultures in addition to my American culture -- I love hot pot, celebrate the lunar new year, and celebrate the 4th of July among other things; these customs and traditions have shaped me into the culturally diverse individual that I am today. My decision to identify as both Taiwanese and Chinese is simply my perspective and I respect any other perspectives and opinions.