I am Chinese who lived in China until the age of 6 and then moved to Japan for 4 years until the age of 10. And after the age of 10 me and my family moved to Australia.

When I was little,I basically only spoke and wrote in Japanese although I am Chinese.

I was never educated in China and knew absolutely nothing about my cultural background. I was just like an average Japanese kid who couldn't write or read in Chinese.

When I reached the age of 10, my family wanted me to move to Australia so that I can learn English.

Now I lived in Australia for 11 years and every Chinese friends call me " BANANA" Another meaning yellow on the outside but white on the inside. ( e.g Oreo.

I DON'T KNOW WHO I AM ANYMORE! I feel like I don't belong any where. :(

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Don't label yourself. Be your own person.

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Sure having the ability to speak 3 language is an huge advantage but I feel like I'm losing my identity.

I truelly don't belong in the Chinese, Japanese or Australian community.

I have a little bit of Chinese, a little bit of Japanese and a little bit of Australian. ( I'm not mixed breed)

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Australians speak english, you speak english to communicate with the majority. How is that being whitewashed??

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I wouldn't call myself as whitewashed Asian but I am influenced by the environment I live in. Most Asian friends call me as the " Aussie girl" coz I barely have any Chinese accent when I speak English.

Post edited at 8:45 pm on Aug. 29, 2008 by The Artful Dodger

Second try to talk to a relative from China if you know any and ask them to help you find out about your roots and your origins. Also try to find some  good friends who are asian (chinese japanese, any you want) you can talk to who dont judge you or call you names.

Third go on the internet and learn as much as you can about chinese history and culture. Its always good to do that. Dont' force yourself but leanr at you own pace. If you meet a good teacher of chinese then try to get him to help you if you want. Explain what happened to you and ask him to be patient and tolerant.

Dont worry about it all. You have a great background and origins and experience. that makes you UNIQUE. That makes you someone who can get across different cultures and not be a slave to anything and be just yourself.


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"Everyone helpin' each other whenever they can we makin' it happen, from nothin' to somethin'
That's how we be survivin'" - BEP

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Sure having the ability to speak 3 language is an huge advantage but I feel like I'm losing my identity.

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A lot of australians come from many backgrounds too just like you (like from ireland and england and maori.

Im mexican filipino irish and i am american. so im a bit like you. its cool man.

your identity is what you make youself. just learn more about your heritages so you know more and ppl can't snow you.

but dont worry because you are cool

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"Everyone helpin' each other whenever they can we makin' it happen, from nothin' to somethin'
That's how we be survivin'" - BEP

Fact is, you are what you are and while you can label that, the label itself chances absolutely nothing.  Instead of thinking yourself as "Chinese," "Japanese," or "Australian," just think of yourself as an individual.  You needn't fit into the perfect mode of a label to belong anywhere, to be quite honest.  You are who you are and so long as you express who you are, people will like you and you will fit right in with others no matter where you're at.