Just Because I Look Like You...

…does not in any way mean that we think or act the same.

Welcome to Familiarity Breeds Contempt Part 2

Even though my hometown is notoriously Asian, I have always had friends who did not look like me.  While several of my good friends are Asian-American, and while I find it important to identify with people in America who look like me, I also have some critiques.

Personal Space:

I'm an introvert.  I'm an Americanized Asian.  I value personal space.  So don't text me every day, and don't invite yourself into my space without permission.  And please don't touch my stuff without asking, especial if it's my violin!  Thanks.

Courtesy:

Yes, I may speak your language.  But when someone who doesn't speak Chinese is with us, please speak English.  I find it rude when you exclude someone on the basis of language.  (I so appreciate the German and Korean students here at Yale.  They always try to speak English if I'm around.  And if ever they start speaking among themselves in their native language, they always apologize).

Just because I look like you does not in any way mean that I automatically think or act the same as you might.  Get to know me a little better before you become so familiar as to merit my contempt.