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My old BFF/Colleague from New York University majored in Asian American Studies.  She tried earnestly to teach me what it means to be Asian American.  Instead of doing my own classwork and homework, I spent hours reading her notes, her texts, and discussing "Asian American" identity and such.  We would always watch the film, "Tokyo Pop" because it's her fav. film.  We always went to Kim's Videos down the street.

At a very young age I always identified with "The Orient."  I didn't like saying Asian or Asian-American because it's a nuanced term that on one hand is derogatory and more importantly quite misleading.  Asia refers to a particular 'territory' in the hands of "The Orient."  So, of course, I don't like them calling us "Property."

They tried to have me look at other parts of my lineage and they hoped I would embrace others.  However, for me, as a child of the '70s and '80s, I instinctively knew that it should be "The Orient."  Also I was quite sensitive to any misdirected cruelty or anger towards those from the Orient in general.  I had decided at a young age to do what I can to teach others about the beauty and ancient cultures from the "Orient."

It saddened me to know that other competing groups were most unkind to those from the Orient.  However, I always do what I can to gently and cordially show them worlds they didn't even realize existed.