Race

As I'm reading my sociology textbook on race, I'm thinking back to some experiences I've had in the past month or so in school, especially in the past week. I've had people come up to me at one gathering and ask, "Are you mixed?" No proper introduction, one girl straight up blurted "Are you mixed?" I always make it a point to reply as graciously as I can and explain to people what exactly I comprise of. Interestingly, another girl who was near us came up to me and asked, "Are you mixed blood?" Again, no proper introduction.

I've been asked this question a lot in the past month as I meet more people in school. I have to admit, this kind of thing is starting to bother me a little. I used to be neutral about it, but I think as I learn more about race being a social construct and how people are defined by such categories, which affects how they're treated and seen in society, I believe I'm beginning to become slightly irked when people ask me about my "origins" without even a proper introduction. Yes, in a place like Singapore where there's a lot of "mixed bloods" and diversity, asking someone "where they're from" or "what mix they are" is not a loaded question unlike in other parts of the world. However, a lot of the irritation comes from the fact that some people end up knowing about my genetic makeup and heritage even before they know other less important facts about me, like my name!

I don't like this feeling that I'm judged and defined by what I look like, how I speak, how different I am. I always make it a point to declare that I'm very much local.

I'm starting to notice it more, I guess. It's not a big deal, just a thought that I've been harbouring.