Being Chinese

Olivia told us that a couple of days ago at her school, Ms. Mann showed her class a map of China and talked about things in China. Then Olivia raised her hand and told Ms. Mann: “I am Chinese!” which was really a surprise to me as she always claims to me: “I am not Chinese! I am an American and why do you always sign me up for Chinese school?!”

Apparently it was a surprise to Ms. Mann also as there is no Chinese student in Olivia’s class.

Ms. Mann said: “Wow, I didn’t know you are Chinese!”

“Well, I am half Chinese” Olivia clarified and now all her new classmates know that she is half Chinese. Olivia even told Ms. Mann about what the flight to China was like after the class was over.

So at the end of the day, Daddy went to the after-school program to pick up Olivia. Olivia’s friend Justin saw him and asked Olivia: “Is your dad Chinese?”

Olivia looked at Justin as if he was from another planet.

“Justin! Does my dad look Chinese to you?!”

I imagined the facial expression on her face when she said that and could not help but laugh.
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This morning Evan and I were talking about being Chinese also on the way to daycare.

I asked him: “Evan, are you American or Chinese?”

“Chinese!” he answered immediately. Wow, does the sun come out from the West these days?

“Well, you are an American but you are also half Chinese.” I was trying to be politically correct but it must be confusing to him.

“Yes, I am half Chinese and mom, you are a lot of Chinese.” He said.