"What Are You?

Start writing..."What Are You?" 8x10 inch canvas This abstract self-portrait is a statement on my experience growing up Asian American. As a person of mixed nationalities, one of the most common questions strangers would ask me is, "What are you?" And while, of course, I understand they were wondering what race/nationality I am, as a mid-west born and raised American, I find the question off-putting and dehumanizing. What am I? I'm a human. I'm a mind, a body, a spirit, a student, a mentor, someone's mother, someone's child, I'm an artist and a bit of a misanthrope at times while also still being an absolutely naive idealist. I am so many things beyond just my mixed races. Racism isn't just loudly hating others, it's also those whispers of othering and dehumanizing people just because their skin looks different than yours or because their eyes squint. So here is my response to the question, "What are you?" I am so much more than any word or image could ever fully convey, but most importantly, I am human.