I wish I embraced Taiwanese culture as a kid
Rejecting my ethnicity exposed a childhood insecurity with being different
“Dad, why do you look different from us?” my son asked, over dinner.
“Whaddya mean?” I replied, glancing at some stir-fried bok choy.
“You're darker than us,” he said, comparing my skin tone to his and his brother’s. “Why is that?”
“Um,” I stuttered, “the ingredients that A-Kong and A-Ma made me with . . .
When I take my children to the park, I can't resist the urge to discipline other kids
Disciplining other people’s children can be a dicey business
This essay originally appeared in The Globe and Mail on January 26, 2016.
Disciplining other people’s children can be a dicey business. I sometimes face this issue at our neighbourhood park, where I often take my kids after school.
I am a former teacher, so the playground is very familiar to me: It’s where a . . .
Posted in: playgroundracismdisciplinebullying
A motorist's racist comment frustrated me
Some bigots minimize their prejudiced behaviour with veiled remarks
Photo: Freeimages.com – Pat Herman
We sauntered along the sidewalk, mature trees overhanging narrow street, morning air already muggy. Aunty stopped briefly to chat with a friend. Built close to the road, their old Victorian homes foster interaction between neighbours.
“I'll meet you at the coffee shop,” she . . .
