(Pros and cons of having a multicultural identity)

In Czechia, we have a saying “Kolik řečí umíš, tolikrát jsi člověkem.” In translation, it would sound something like “The number of languages you speak is the number of times you are human.”

Though the word “human” doesn’t really translate well in English. But it basically means that people sometimes (unconsciously) act a certain way when speaking different languages. Whether in a good way or bad way, their personality and behavior tend to change when they are around different cultures. Given that every culture is unique in its own way. It has its own customs and values which could be reflected in us.    

Having a close connection with more than one ethnic group and being able to relate to topics and problems surrounding the culture on a certain level can come with many highs and lows. For some of us, it means being bilingual (or multilingual) and having a limited vocabulary at the same time.

Participants of our workshop expressed struggles of not being fully excellent at any languages they speak. Our mother tongue is usually only spoken at home between our families and the other language is only taught to us outside our home. Vietnamese children usually learn Czech by going to kindergarten and being surrounded by Czech children, or by going to a Czech nanny who looks after them. Some of us feel our Czech language isn’t excellent e.g.: when our word order (slovosled) is out of place, when using proverbs wrong, when our declension (skloňování) is poor, or when using incorrect grammatical gender (jmenný rod). 

To be viewed as a minority in a foreign country at certain times means we don’t get the same opportunities as others only because of our skin color. One of our participants used an example of her friend when she was searching for an apartment and not being able to get approved. Assuming Vietnamese people had a bad reputation in that area. But being Asian can also mean we automatically get positive attributes assigned to us.

Czech people claim Asian people have a good history of working hard and being very thorough with everything they do. But these positive stereotypes can create demeaning and undignified situations. People who believe in these stereotypes tend to have big expectations.

They live in a delusion that e.g. all Asians are good at math and they’re the top of the class. Asians who don’t really meet these criteria when people expect them to often feel uncomfortable. It’s a moment that’s near to a feeling of not being good enough and feeling less of an Asian. There are of course times when you are expected to and should execute the best work (when being under some kind of institution). But what makes it different here is the talk about race. Because “All Asians are like this” when in reality we should view human beings are all separate individuals. 

So what is the brighter side of having a multicultural identity? Many participants of our workshop expressed their love for having variability in food. Not only do we get to taste homemade delicious Vietnamese cuisine but in Czechia, we also get other worldwide famous dishes (Italian, Greek, Indian, Mexican etc.). The quality in Czechia is also practically better than in Vietnam – better quality of dairy products, water and other materials.

We also get to learn more languages, not only Vietnamese but generally multicultural people are often surrounded by other cultures/languages. As one participant wrote: “We are beautiful because of it” as one of the advantages of being multicultural. ❤

Some of them noticed that people often perceived them as trustworthy. Some argue that it’s because ethnic, racial or sexual minorities are often overlooked and marginalized in society which makes them more empathic toward the others as they have a share of struggles. In practice, their friends or colleagues often come to them with their problems as they view them less close-minded and having a more objective opinion. But this doesn’t apply every time. Whether we seem trustworthy or empathic radiates from our energy and personality, and it doesn’t really have to be related to our race. 

This all is what makes us different, unique and interesting. The first thing people notice visually about you is your look and posture. Some agree that we easily catch somebody’s attention just for looking Asian and people remember us quicker for that. 

Throughout the history of our humankind, it has been generally difficult for us all to accept and embrace our features and attributes that are normally criticized in society. But it is our differences that make the world less boring.

Our purpose isn’t to mold ourselves to fit into somebody’s hand. It is time to bring the word “multicultural” into our daily life conversations.