Status Updates From Interior Chinatown

By putting ourselves below everyone, we're building in a self-defense mechanism. Protecting against real engagement. By imagining that no one wants us, that all others are so different from us, we're privileging our own point of view.

You wish your face was more—more, something. You don't know what. Maybe not more. Less. Less flat. Less delicate. More rugged. Your jawline more defined. This face that feels like a mask, that has never felt quite right on you. That reminds you, at odd times, and often after two to four drinks, that you're Asian. You are Asian! Your brain forgets sometimes. But then your face reminds you.

"Average GPA in this room is probably north of three point seven, and now look at them, perfecting to be tough, doing a good job of it, as they do. They're all A students, 'striving immigrants', still hoping for their shot."

It makes me feel dumb when satire in books goes over my head but I guess I get there eventually ❤️‍🩹