A brief look back and a long shot forward
As the first post, I should first explain who I am, where I’m coming from, where I am now and what I’m trying to do here.
1. My name is Mike Palmer, and I’m a half-Chinese, half-Australian web designer / developer.
2. I grew up in Miami, Florida, then spent a few years in Melbourne, Australia before completing a year-long English-teaching stint in Incheon, South Korea.
3. I’m now in Taipei, Taiwan (and have been for over two years). I came here to learn Mandarin Chinese.
4. Years ago I had a page on Geocities about life and identity from an Asian-Caucasian’s point of view which got quite a few responses from couples, mothers, fathers, girlfriends, sons, etc. I’ve laid low for the past five years, but now I think it’s time (maybe moreso for myself than others) to continue.
So, for those who are interested, here are the feelings and identity-crises of a mixed Asian-Caucasian male laid out bare.
Half-breeds are genetically advantageous. Darwin would put his money on you.
Ugh. What are we, dogs? Being half and half isn’t just about dairy creamer, it’s about never quite belonging to either “race/culture” fully. It’s divided loyalties and confusion. It’s about wanting to be defined by who we are as a person and what we do and not just by our genes. But then, who doesn’t want that? It’s just more obvious to those who stand out in the crowd as “something different” no matter how we dress, style our hair, or even a native accent.
I think I need my own blog.