Why Am I Sometimes Called White When I Am Asian?

Many people of Asian heritage have experienced the phenomenon of being mistaken for white, even if they have a completely Asian background. This can be a confusing and sometimes challenging experience. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this and the implications of racial misidentification.

Understanding White Passing

The term 'white passing' refers to the ability of individuals of non-white racial backgrounds to be perceived as white, often leading to advantages and privileges associated with being white. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of Asian heritage.

Factors such as physical features, family history, and cultural background can influence whether someone is perceived as white or not. For example, someone with a predominantly South Asian or Middle Eastern background may have features that are more similar to those of Europeans, making them more likely to be mistaken for white.

The Confusion Behind Racial Misidentification

There is often a widespread misunderstanding among people about racial differences. Even those who are educated may struggle to recognize the distinct features and ethnicities within the Asian community. Personal testimonies highlight this issue, as demonstrated in the following examples:

Personal Experience: White Passing

An individual of mixed heritage (Kurdish and Korean) shares their personal experience, noting that due to their physical appearance, they are often mistaken for white. They explain, 'Personally, I'm a mix of two Asians—a Kurdish mom who looks South Asian and a Korean father. I ended up getting most of my mom’s features, along with my dad’s nose and skin color, making me look extremely white.'

This personal account reflects the complexity of racial identity, particularly in the context of heritages that blend multiple backgrounds. The individual goes on to admit that while it can be amusing, they still find it challenging to address when people mistake them for white, especially since they do not know which specific Asian background to specify.

General Observations on Racial Misidentification

There is a broader issue of racial misidentification that affects many individuals. People of Hispanic background, for instance, are often mistaken for white by Black individuals, and by Whites, they might be considered European. Asians can sometimes be mistaken for white as well. This confusion can be attributed to a lack of knowledge and awareness about the diversity within racial classifications.

One person comments, 'I'm not sure why this is, but most people seem to be really stupid when it comes to recognizing race, even people who should really know better.'

The Nuances of Racial Identity

Racial identity is multifaceted and can be influenced by various factors. While some individuals may be mistakenly labeled as white, they also may be labeled as 'American' or another non-Asian label. These terms can have distinct implications and may not be equivalent to the term 'white.'

For example, being called 'American' does not necessarily equate to being perceived as white, despite the fact that many people use these terms interchangeably. This further demonstrates the complexity and fluidity of racial identity.

Conclusion

The experience of being called white, when you are not, is a common phenomenon among individuals with diverse Asian backgrounds. This is partly due to the widespread lack of awareness and knowledge about racial distinctions, as well as the influence of individual physical features on perception. Understanding and addressing these issues can help to promote greater awareness and acceptance of diverse racial identities.

In summary, the terms 'white passing' and racial misidentification highlight the complex and sometimes confusing nature of racial identity. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can foster a more inclusive society where everyone's unique heritage is recognized and respected.