Sharing experiences: Childhood as Chinese Diaspora

This is a discussion focused event where participants share their ideas, thoughts regarding their interactions and experiences in childhood.

Were you ever ashamed of eating ethnic Chinese foods at school or speaking Chinese with your parents?

What was it like having a Chinese name and an English name (if applicable)?

Were there moments you felt proud of your culture in school?
Did you ever feel like you had to hide parts of your culture to fit in?

How has your perspective on being Chinese in a foreign country changed since you were a child?

What was your favorite or least favorite part of being Chinese child in a predominantly Western environment?

As a child did you avoid or gravitate towards other Chinese kids for friendship?

Did peer or parental pressure affect which courses you took?

Were you ever embarrassed by how "Chinese" your parents acted in public?

Did you ever feel that your parents gave birth to you to alleviate their loneliness and in old age?

Did your parents ever refuse to let you participate in “Canadian” traditions like Halloween or sleepovers? How did you feel about it?

Rules:
Raise your hand to speak: To ensure everyone has an equal opportunity and time to share, please raise your hand, and I’ll call on those who haven’t spoken much yet. You don’t have to wait for others to finish—feel free to raise your hand at any time, and I’ll take note.

Stay on topic: Everyone is here for a reason, so let’s be mindful of their time and keep the discussion focused.

Confidentiality: We often discuss sensitive topics, and to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing, let's agree to keep what is said in this meetup private and not share it with others outside the group.

Please come on time: I explain the rules at the beginning of the meetup, when people are late I am unable to explain the rules whenever a late comer arrives.