I finished a very interesting book called Whistling Vivaldi, which is about stereotypes. Yes, we know that others stereotype us. Regardless of gender, age, or color, people see us and very likely type cast us. But, this book is different: it’s about how we stereotype ourselves. The author brilliantly documents study after study as to
Category: Race
A Long Way from Brooklyn
I was at the grocery store this Sunday morning when it opened. I’ve done this on many Sundays over the years. The store is quiet, and many of the workers are still stocking the shelves. I’ve become friendly with a few of them, since there’s time to chat amidst the quiet activity. One of them
Chinese New Year and ‘The Code’
Happy Chinese New Year! Last night, many Chinese households had a family reunion dinner, at which relatives gathered and ate traditional dishes such as fish, noodles and dumplings. Houses were swept clean, new clothes were bought, and now, it’s a time to enjoy family and fellowship. Growing up, Chinese New Year was a low-key affair.
Our Family’s Immigrant Story
“So, are you Chinese or Indonesian?” one of my children asked me today. I paused a long time. My kids are Amer-Asian. They live in a nice town and go to amazing private schools. A branch of their mother’s family came over on the Mayflower. I’m not sure if they’re ready to hear the full
My Trip Back to Indonesia in 2nd Grade
I just read an interesting piece in today’s New York Times. Here’s an excerpt: In America, all men are believed to be created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. But Nigerians are brought up to believe that our society consists of higher and lesser beings. Some are born to own and
Racism today
I’ve been thinking a lot about racism for two reasons. First, Mrs. T. and two of our children went down to Washington DC for spring break. At one point, they were walking around town, and an older person muttered loudly, “They train those little Orientals for war from a young age.” It’s an interesting comment because