HAPA BEING
by Taylor Maloney
The term “hapa” is derived from the Hawaiian word for half and is generally used to describe people of half or part Asian descent.
H
apa. Halfie. Blasian. Eurasian. Mixed.
but rather, Asians simply seem to understand
These are just several of the terms
Asian culture best. It is comforting to connect with
one can use to describe people of mixed race—
people who have similar childhoods, cultures, and
specifically mixed Asians. My mother is Japanese,
tastes. However, this connection for me seems to
and my father is Irish, making me 100% hapa. I
only go so far. Often, I’ve heard, “Oh, you wouldn’t
assumed that when I left the suburbs of Georgia
understand since you’re white.” Or, if I make a
and moved to New York, I would meet more people
mistake regarding Asian culture, others will laugh
who were also mixed and looked just like me—
and remark, “It’s because she’s not a true Asian.”
with wavy hair, pale skin, dark eyes, and lots of
No matter how hard I try to embrace my Asian
freckles. However, I’ve found it difficult to find
culture, it seems that I will never be Asian enough.
other hapas at NYU. Even once I have met them, it was hard to truly connect. I cannot speak fluent
school student, the ambassadors and faculty
Japanese, nor have I ever visited Japan. Other
would advertise the school as “a community
Asians often do not regard me as a “true Asian.”
of micro-communities” where everyone can
I seem to run into this problem regularly.
Being Hapa
find a niche, whether it is through a dorm floor,
Asians often will not accept me fully or will even
class, or club. There are several Asian clubs,
ignore me. This made the experience of making
ranging from Asian Cultural Union to Korean
friends with some Asian people challenging.
Students Association. But, is this enough?
Some change their minds once they learn of my
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Whenever I would visit NYU as a high
“It’s really tough for me to interact with
heritage, but why would I want to be friends with
other Asians that I’ve just met or who assume
people who judge me based on my race? There
or feel that I’m not a ‘real Asian’,” said Morgan
is something very comforting about the Asian
Bennyworth, a student of Japanese, Irish, English,
community. A strong bond exists. I don’t believe
German, and Italian descent. Where would hapas
that Asians will only be friends with other Asians,
find their niche in these microcommunities?