An Asian woman reflects on growing up with strict parental expectations to be quiet and demure, the emotional toll it took, and how she now appreciates her parents' work ethic and sacrifices. She explores whether the minority mindset that shaped her family was ultimately worth it.
Do you think the minority mindset growing up is a net positive? Listen, I got some traumas here because of how I grew up, because of how my parents spoke to me, because of some of the things that were said to me as a young Asian woman in my parents' house, especially being a very loud, outspoken, gregarious girl. Like, my mom hated— my mom wanted me to be like cute, demure, quiet. bookish, and I'm like on the Richter scale, like I'm always like an 8,000. I think ultimately looking back, I really appreciate the work ethic, the value system, and the love my parents provided me. They show it in really weird ways. My family certainly is not the I love you family, but my parents would do anything for me. My parents would go hungry so I could eat, and what is better than that?
