Online Discussion: “Asian” or “Chinese”—Why Do We Identify as one, both?

Discussion questions:

• What does the word "Asian" mean to you?
• When you say “I’m Asian,” what part of yourself are you including—and what parts are being left out?
• Is the Asian identification more prevalent in the west vs a Chinese identification? Why? Does Chinese identification contain a political dimension which causes us to shrink away from it?
• Does the west have a tendency to group all Asians together? e.g. the stereotype that Americans/ Canadians cannot tell whether someone is Chinese or Japanese, but they can definitely tell whether someone is Asian.
• Was there ever a time when you felt ashamed or proud to be specifically Chinese instead of Asian?
• Do you feel a different sense of belonging in an Asian majority space vs a Chinese majority space?
• If you had to choose one—Asian or Chinese—to represent yourself to a stranger, which would you pick, and why?

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.