Friday, April 04, 2008

A foreigner (Part 1)

I'm sure even for those who've been born here (i.e. BBCs - British Born Chinese) are all classed under Chinese no matter what passport you hold. Well, as a foreigner in another country, a whole different culture you've got to make yourself 50% better than the natives in every single way. You've got to work that bit harder, you've got to be that bit stronger and you've got to show these people you've not only mastered their language and culture but still willing to keep hold of your own.

And that's what people always forget. They might want to forget this fact, they might want to reject this social label. But they could never hide away this fact, this reality.

At the age of 5, I've left my roots behind in Wuhan, China. But now I've gradually finding it back. With the help of strict family rules and traditions. I've always knew I'm forever Chinese and I'm rather proud of that.

People that I've met throughout these years have been telling me how amazing they think my childhood was. Yes, it is fantastic. I learnt a lot and maybe became a little bit more mature than some people of my age. But whys that? People seldom take into account that I've had so many tough moments in life.

Being the first Chinese girl in Doha, Qatar. Attended 2 British Primary Schools there. Being the first Chinese girl in the Country gave me the honour to raise the Flag of China. That's all great. But has anyone realised that being the only and first Chinese in a whole new environment at that time was pretty scary? People will be curious why I had such black hair (as my hair is rather darker than the majority people, so it made it even more obvious), why I had dark brown eyes, why I spoke a strange language to my parents, why this, why that. Of course, sometimes you do get bullied in some ways or two. So at the age of 5, I realised that I had to be better in every single way than these people.

After about 4 years, my family moved to HK and another adventure begins. Mentally, life did not get any easier. You would think it would right? But no, although HK is part of China now, it wasn't when I was there and I left HK when it became part of China. The transition period - was another war to be fought.

And my life story continues... stay tuned.

6 comments:

Cortney said...

I can totally imagine the situation when a little girl had to face with so many "first times" as well as this and that problems. I believe that you have done such a good job and when everytime I talked with you or read your blog I really feel proud of you especially when you mentioned that you always remember where is your root* *!! Since every sucess is reasonable,you'll be sucess no matter in which aspects cos you have already encountered with and overcomed so many things that make you every reason to sucess!! I will suport you all the time^_^!!

Richard.H said...

Looking forward to the next episode and some of your memories that you haven't told me about.

You can save all of them together and write a book. lol

Kiss

ruby said...

yeah...i totally agree with Richard...it is such a good topic to be a book!!!

I love this entry as well!!!!and I got lots of thoughts from it...but ...sob sob...i have to go back to my thesis...
but will definitely chat with you sooooooooooooon,dear...i am a poor excuse for a sister recently...sorry, sweeite...
miss ya!!!!!!
xxxx

jenn said...

Cortney:
^^ thank you thank you. When I was writing this entry it just suddenly came into my mind that I have to write something serious from now on. Something that I have experienced. Something that's sensible but not too visible to a lot of people.
A reflection of life so far. Trying to find back that strength to fight on. Thank you for all your support! >.<

jenn said...

Rich:
Yes. Next episode will be out when I feel like it. HAHA. You know me. I get quite random mood swings. And words just blab out...

jenn said...

Ruby:

^^ got lots of thought from it? Well, it's really a very personal perspective, I'm sure some other person out there will reject. But we can't make everyone happy when we try to express our own emotions and views. So I'm just releasing out everything that I think is appropriate to share.

I would really want to write a book. A more detailed one with many little facts and tips. HAHA. It'll be fine. But for now, I'm rather stressed with everything and anything. :(