Just A Thought
I've noticed something lately while checking my stats and I have been wondering what's going on. Most of the time when people google for certain things it has to do with TV shows or anything else that's been recently in the media. What's interesting in my case is the amount of queries coming from two different continents which is 20% of all queries leading to this website. It has been like this for a few weeks already and these searches make me wonder...
Recent queries:
Eurasian faces [4 different searches]
Eurasian clothing
Eurasian clothes design
Eurasian surnames [at least 5 times]
Eurasians attractive
Eurasian races photos
Eurasians pictures
Why are mixed blood people attractive
Full Asian but look like Eurasian England
Common cooking method used in Eurasian meal
Are there alot of eurasians in australlia [I left the typos *hehe*]
Eurasian faces more attractive
Eurasian white baby pictures
Mixed blood baby caucasian asian
I read that in 2007 the Malaysian government had plans to reduce the number of Eurasian faces in advertisements which caused a stir among models and presenters. It's interesting to see how some people seem to feel threatened by the 'Eurasian look', if there is one anyway. In parts of Asia, Eurasians carrying traits from both sides, are considered a beauty ideal especially in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.
I was adviced to register with model agencies age 16, back then one agency told me I was 'too dark'. Their clients wanted fair-skinned/haired models so I was sent away, these days, they're craving the 'Eurasian look'. I remember I was upset about the discriminating remarks. When I told my dad he said to be always proud of who I am and ignore the narrow-mindedness and ignorance of others; what did they know about my culture[s] after all?
I am proud of who I am and I like my mocha tan, although it always tends to look yellow over wintertime. I'm proud of my exotic background and embrace it but I don't want people to label me as exotic because I have a lot more to offer. I love to prepare the odd 'rice table' because it's part of me and not because it seems to be the 'latest culinary rage -along with Sushi- among the [belanda] expats' to show off at dinner parties.
I'm proud of my grandfather's friendship with a headhunting Dayak and the sword that he was given in honour because he saved this Dayak's life. I feel more Indonesian than Dutch, but I haven't found a home country nor culture yet. I love a Kopi Toebroek and I wish it was warm enough in London to wear my sarong. I crave Soto Ayam and Rempejeh. I've never visited the Pasar Malam in the Hague but that doesn't make me less Indo.
Despite of what some [Asians] seem to associate 'Eurasian' with, I'm not the daughter of a soldier and a pr0st1tvte; my dad was Indonesian and met my mother in the Lowlands, that makes me 50/50. At times I wish people wouldn't feel the need to put one in a pigeonhole. Then I wouldn't feel the need to identify myself, I would be 'just' me, balancing between two worlds and two cultures, embracing the best of both and be proud of both...
Then there would be less 'Eurasian' google searches since the name tag wouldn't really matter.
Just a thought...
Tess:
It's strange what kind of searches come to my site as well, although it's not race related.
I've not heard the word *Eurasian* much myself, but when I do it's an exotic beauty that comes to mind.
Your lineage is beautiful, and what a interesting story of your grandfather! I'd love to hear that one!
There are stories here of mixes because of the war and what you've stated above. It's just not given much weight.
My husband is half Japanese and half white. His father was military, but his momma was no P*. She was a beautiful model in Japan.
Why would the media not show photos of Eurasians? I don't understand?
HUGS ~M
A certain love/hate store has found me and sent me their catalog.
So now maybe your stats will show my unsuccessful query from one of those continents ;-)
But as you know, I was looking in the wrong place for a certain comment.
Still, isn't it interesting that as soon as I opened my mailbox and saw what was there, I thought of you :-)
You got me looking though for Amerasian (what a dumb word), and just can't believe I found:
The official definition of Amerasian came about as a result of Public Law 97-359, enacted by the 97th Congress of the United States on October 22, 1982.
Will this silliness never end? Don't those elected ones have better things to address?
Anyway, mocha is nice, so is yellow as long as you stay away from that one kind.
Ignore the pigeonholers, just be You!! That's all that is important.
And since you were rolling this morning....Be Creative You :-)
Oh, and don't forget to pack your sarong ;-)
I loved your weekly note! What a great idea!
Monica: Hi Monica! OOOOOH look at you! You appeared all smiling on my blog *hehe* Beautiful woman! :)
Sorry about the late response, I'm having really really bad RSI so I'm trying to stay away from computer and give my hand, arm and shoulder some rest... I'm happy you love the weekly note, although it's time to find me a new one, this one has been there for some time already which is not bad but I could do with another reminder *grin*
I remember a picture of your husband's mum, she is indeed very beautiful! The Malay government is afraid Eurasians don't represent the locals and the fact that Eurasians are shown in the media is supposed to be downgrading to features of the locals.
Grandfather: he was out hunting in the jungle of Borneo one day when he heard crying for help. He ran into the direction of the cries and found a Dayak threatened and attacked by an alligator. My grandfather shot the alligator and saved the Dayak's life by looking after him and taking care of his injuries.
Some Dayak tribes are headhunters [still are], there are a lot of traditions I could tell you about but it's something I shouldn't do on here. Whenever a head was taken, the Dayak would carve a symbol on the blade of his sword. Since the Dayak's sword represents his life and soul it should be buried in his grave when he dies. Because my grandfather saved this Dayak's life, according to his beliefs, his soul was now owned by my grandfather, therefore he received the sword as a symbol of respect and gratitude.
The hilt of the sword is made of carved bone, also [human?] hair is used for decoration and wood is used for the scabbard along with hair and leather. It's a beautiful piece of history but has a strong power over some, people used to avoid it without realising where it was in the house. My mum never liked it and denied it's existence for years, it scares the hell out of her *hehe* Not me...
Hugs back at ya! I'll be visiting soon this week, leaving comments! But need to rest first, sorry :(
Jim: I have another love/hate story to add but I decided to let go *hehe* I went there to find out the products I wanted were no longer in stock *what's new?* I found some cool cheap wooden trestles, the artistic kind :) Perhaps to turn into work area for beautiful shiny wind instruments one day... Just a thought (yes another one ;))
I'll have to go there again to buy when in stock and keep safe in storage until the day...
Labels are dumb in general and I try to avoid but at times they are needed to make people aware ;) Oh no worry, I would never look that yellow again, I learned my lesson well and will see a doctor asap if the same symptoms would show. But to be honest I think that was meant as a fresh start of my life, the cycle of nature is that things need to die in order to grow new, I feel it happened to me and I've been given a chance to start all over again :)
A total reboot *hehe*
Creative me is ill by overwork lately and now needs to deal with the consequences... but it was worth it and yes I realise I shouldn't say that while being in pain but it paid off. Sarong is waiting to be packed, it's blue and white, your favourite colour... Time to rest soon but wanted to leave a response first. Be safe on trip!
Hugs! :-*
OK, good on the total reboot.
Now, did you forget to repair permissions? ;-)
Go easy on yourself and let those utilities do their thing.
Blue has always been an unconscious favorite, never really thought about it till I noticed the sea of blue in my closet one day.
But I've a few other delicious colors these days that have pushed their way to the top of the list :-)
Be creative, but take your time.
I have never heard of that word, "Eurasian". Another made up word to use as a label.
That story about your grandfather is awesome! I remember that story.
Get well soon! Don't let that RSI get worse and take care of yourself.
Jim: I always forget to repair permissions... but you can check on mine or remind me whenever you feel like it :p
I did go easy, I took time to rest while waiting for Leo to return and I can type a bit today here and there. Mmm my favourite is still purraple and not just because of colour but also because of a wonderful laugh on a sound file and sweet memories of that day *thank you!* ;)
You could check the online gloves shop if you like, I redesigned a tiny bit... but taking time like you told me to :)
Dalton: you probably never heard because you don't live on either continent *hehe* I was only aware of labels used within Europe where in NL 'Indo' is used for Indonesian and Dutch mostly. Labels will always be there, funny thing in UK is, that people here have no clue what my background is, you can see them thinking and guessing...
Most here are from South Asia, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while most in NL are from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam etc. which is South East Asia. I have typical South East Asian features that aren't recognised here. It causes confusion at times which can be amusing ;)
Thank you: RSI is slightly better but will keep this short :)