Confessions of a Teenager

Sterotypes

Hello.

Let's just start with I'm not like most teenagers my age. Rather than spending my Friday nights partying, drinking, and getting "lit", I spend time with my family. It's not that I don't have friends, it's just that their not the ones that I want to be friends with. Friends have each other's backs, they don't exclude each other, ignore one another, etc. We're not bad people. We're just people who were pushed by societal pressures to befriend one another. I guess I just can't follow my role as well as the others do. It's not that I'm not grateful for them, because I am. They act as a moment of peace in my hazardous life at home.

As an Asian teenager living in an other wise white country, racism is bound to occur. I'm constantly barraged with questions resembling "Can you speak Chinese?" "When did you come here?". The truth is, no and I've never even been to Asia. I've witnessed countless acts of racism to not only myself, and my friends, but also the exchange students at my high school. We're living in an age where everything is changing. Black lives matter, me too, LGBTQ+, but what about stereotyping? I remember there was a time when a teacher at my school was professing her thoughts and opinions on how every one should be treated equally-no matter your gender or sexual preference. Not even one Minuit later, she went on to call me an exchange student. Just because I'm Asian doesn't mean I'm fresh off the boat. Just because I'm Asian doesn't mean I'm good at math. Just because I'm Asian doesn't mean I'm a bad driver. But, I am good at math. I am a bad driver. I'm excel in academics because I study my ass off everyday. I'm not naturally good at school. The majority of people aren't. Yeah I'm a bad driver, but that's because I'm sixteen. Who isn't a bad driver when they're just starting out?

In conclusion, think before you act. While it could just be a joke to you or your friends, it may deeply wound someone else. It's easier to brush the pain off with humour and that's what I've come to do. Most importantly- just be confident in you. When you have confidence, no one can push you down. It's all a matter of perspective. So, stay strong, stay confident, and stay tuned ;)

Sincerely, Lexi

PS. You can also read my blog @ confessionsofateen.wordpress.com