I Hid My Middle Name, Thinking No One Would Notice I Was Asian

It’s actually Tak-Wah (pronounced “duck wah”). My immigrant parents chose the name — which means “broad virtue” in Cantonese — so I wouldn’t forget my heritage. Not that I needed the reminder growing up. My black hair, short stature, and funny-sounding last name (Yee) ensured I stood out in our nearly all-white neighborhood. Like most kids, I just wanted to fit in. Unable to hide the fact I was Asian, I focused on toning down my Asian-ness. Besides my middle name, I wouldn’t mention my family’s Chinese traditions or visits to Gong Gong and Ngin Ngin’s house. I spoke only English, ate the cafeteria lunch, and attended Sunday School. My soccer and Cub Scout uniforms offered both belonging and protection. <a href="https://medium.com/asian-mosaic/i-hid-my-middle-name-thinking-no-one-would-notice-i-was-asian-40fbabbe98fe">Read More</a>