Author: Mabel Kwong

  • Reasons Why The Question “Where Are You From?” Is Offensive. And Not Offensive

    Reasons Why The Question “Where Are You From?” Is Offensive. And Not Offensive

    Time and time again, some of us get the question, “Where are you from?” We might dislike this question, or we might not. It’s a matter of perspective, or rather how we’re feeling in a moment in time that we decide if we like or hate the question there and then. Chances are if we’re…

  • Why Some Asians Are Hoarders. Versus The Trend Of Minimalism

    Why Some Asians Are Hoarders. Versus The Trend Of Minimalism

    Some Asians are hoarders. That is, some of us Asians like collecting things, accumulating things over time up until we struggle to find somewhere to put away all that we have. Most of my childhood and adolescent life, my Chinese parents were fond of bringing things home even when we didn’t need them. Our house…

  • Reasons Why Some Asians Dress Modestly And Conservatively

    Reasons Why Some Asians Dress Modestly And Conservatively

    When it comes to fashion and clothing in Asian cultures, modest and conservative styles are more acceptable. Skimpy, figure-hugging, translucent and transparent clothing tends to be frowned upon, or at the very least not the go-to look for quite a few Asians. Modest dressing is my kind of style pretty much every day. But that’s…

  • Chinese Dining Etiquette And Table Manners

    Chinese Dining Etiquette And Table Manners

    When it comes to eating in Chinese culture, there are dining etiquette rules to be mindful of. Chinese table manners hold a lot of importance and are symbolic of Chinese traditions. Adopting good dining etiquette can help one connect with Chinese family at home. It can also help leave good impressions with Chinese colleagues over…

  • Australia: Common Stereotypes That Are So Not True. And So True

    Australia: Common Stereotypes That Are So Not True. And So True

    There are many stereotypes about the land of Australia. Whether you have lived in, visited or heard of Australia, chances are you’ve come across typical perceptions of Australia in the geographic sense – and come across Australians agreeing with them. And disagreeing with them as well. Having lived in Australia for a while now, I’ve…

  • Your Dreams Vs. Unsupportive Asian Parents: Finding Your Way

    Your Dreams Vs. Unsupportive Asian Parents: Finding Your Way

    We all have passions and dreams, which our parents might not always agree with. In a stereotypical Asian family, artistic and creative dreams tend to be frowned upon, and we might have second thoughts about chasing them. Writing is something I love. Seven year old me rushed home after school and wrote fictional adventure stories…