Welsh Filipina Australian American

Labelling.  I despise it.  Unless a doctor needs it for genetic or medical reasons, quit labelling me.  I never know how to tick those boxes. Would I be known as a Welsh Filipina Australian American?  That’s of course assuming I was lucky enough to be naturalised a citizen of the US of A.

We’ve all heard it before on TV–the reference to Native Americans, African Americans or Asian Americans (or another derivative thereof).

Is it supposed to be a Clayton’s label?  (Timeout: Clayton’s was a drink in the 70’s or early 80’s advertised by Jack Thompson as the drink you have when you’re not having a drink).  Actually it seems like the opposite to me.  They don’t want to label you but they’re going to label you.  Perhaps they were thinking if they put “American” in front of the label then no one will notice there’s another word there so you still get a label.

Am I missing something here?  To me the concept sounds a little …. well …. er …. racist.  Aren’t we singling “them” out?  And by them I mean the people with another label next to the label American?  Doesn’t that scream, “You’re not American American you’re something else American”.

“When do I qualify to be American sir?”

Is it the same as having Diversity day at school yet “showcasing” all things Asian.  Look, we’ve got Asians at school and we’re being “nice” to them and letting them in.  (Gasp: did I just say Asian?  I chose Asian of course because there’s Asian blood in my veins so technically I can’t be accused of being racist.)

In Australia (where multiculturalism is widespread) we’re all Australians.  No one is Native Australian or Asian Australian or Greek Australian or Lebanese Australian or Italian Australian.  That’s the whole point.  Isn’t it?  That’s why we chose to move to another country to be welcomed (just don’t mention the boats) and treated as one nationality regardless of our heritage.

In fact, I find it hard to answer survey questions or forms where it calls for my ethnicity because I’m required to choose between Caucasian, African American, Asian, Native or something else.  Last time I looked I was none of those.  And as we move through modern times aren’t I becoming the norm rather than the exception (although I do like to think of myself as pretty special I must admit).  So how does a girl who grew up in Australia, was born in the Philippines to a Welsh dad & a Filipina mother and married an Australian boy answer that question?  Thank god for the refuse to answer box.

Actually, the Social Security form asks for Race with the available answers being: Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, Asian, American Indian, Black/African , American, Other Pacific Islander, White. Aren’t Hawaii and Alaska part of the United States of America? Doesn’t that make them American too? Why do they get their own box?  If you’re a Hawaiian or an Alaskan Native how do you answer that question?  And what if you’re not white but tanned?  That there my friends might just be what’s known as a trick question.

In International Schools multiculturalism–or perhaps the broader term “diversity”–is dealt with so beautifully we showcase all cultures rather than singling one out.  That’s becoming the trend in Australia now too: to celebrate the food, culture and customs from all the nationalities in our community.  At the same time.

I’m not really sure if in practice diversity or multiculturalism is better or worse here and how minorities are actually treated as I haven’t been close enough to see it first hand.  Perhaps I can keep observing to see how that one plays out and report back.

I actually suspect that maybe, just maybe, the Americans are slightly better at embracing all as one.  If that’s the case then can we please all be Americans?  Or ‘Mericans.  If nothing but to make it easier for people like me.

God Bless ‘Merica.

xx It Started in LA xx