When my mother first gave birth to me in the 1980s, the gynecologist who helped deliver me was so appalled by my dark-skinned appearance that he initially thought that I got switched at birth with another person. But having dark skin or otherwise, my parents loved me unconditionally since I was their flesh and blood.
Initially a dark-skinned infant, I blossomed into a cute and happy toddler who celebrated her first birthday with a whimsical clown-shaped birthday cake lovingly made by her beloved chef dad. Despite having cute-as-button features that could rival actress Sarah Michelle Gellar as a young child, I could not dissociate my natural dark skin. When I was about five to six, my kindergarten teacher dressed me as an Indian princess because she thought I looked dark and exotic. Deep down inside, I felt sorrowful and angry with the teacher as I wanted to be the fair-skinned Snow White.
During my childhood years, others constantly mocked me for my dark skin and compared me to a native African. In reality, my parents and older brother looked nothing like me. But what ignites my wrath the most is how some “so-called” relatives would degradingly stereotype me as the “hitam manis” one in my family. However, I could only weep in silence and put up with their oppression since I was only a small child.
In the blink of an eye, those turbulent childhood years have come and gone quickly. Now, I am a grown adult woman who stands and acts with confidence and pride in everything. Despite that, I am still a dark-skinned Chinese female who will never be on the same league as Chinese celebrity Fan Bing Bing. Just the other day, I lost my complete cool and told my oppressors to back off at a local food court. I wanted to send a firm message to my oppressors that I am no longer the scared little girl they used to pick on years ago. Furthermore, karma is real and there comes a time when every bad or wicked deed will be paid back through time!
Do you have a story to tell, but fear the repercussions of being identified? Fear not! Share your story with us through Newswav Anonymous and we'll reward your bravery while keeping your identity safe. We believe that every person has a unique story to share, so don't hesitate any longer - submit your story to creator@newswav.com today and get rewarded for your courage. Find out more here.