Always someone new
Enters in this life I lead
Always someone asks
“Where are you from?” immediately
Always someone really means
Not what is your nationality, but
Always someone wants to know
Where were you born?
As if it should make a difference
As if it matters what are the answers to the questions:
In what country was I born?
What language do I or do not speak?
What color is the skin of my parents?
As if the assumption is, it’s okay to ask a perfect stranger:
Oh, you don’t speak Korean?
Oh, you don’t have Korean parents?
Oh, have you ever been to Korea?
Oh, do you know your real parents?
As if the same questions were asked to them:
What is your family heritage?
You don’t know?
You haven’t learned the language of your native culture and country?
You haven’t found out how or why your family left their native land?
You have no connection to your origins?
Would it still be okay?
Always people think it is their right
To pry into my life within minutes of meeting
Always someone shows discomfort
With a response of, “That’s cool.”
Always someone feels awkward
When I tell them the truth
As if to say being adopted is a tragedy
As if to say I’m to be pitied or considered lucky
As if to say:
“I’m sorry for your situation, but that’s cool someone took you in”
with not so many words
So, these are my words:
It’s none of your business where I am from.
It’s none of your business what language I speak.
It’s none of your business if my parents have different colored skin.
It’s none of your business to know if I am adopted or not because,
it’s not your right to ask me personal questions beyond the country of my nationality
or the State in which I grew up
or my occupation
And, I do not want your pity.
I am American. I grew up in Oregon. I am a university teacher.
When we are friends, I will tell you more.
-T
~May 5, 2009
