FOR CONSIDERATION Heidi Arromdee

Food, religion, and numerous art forms. Those three topics headline many articles upon looking up “Thai culture” But these writings lack perspective Culture is something that is developed over time, through lived experiences that involve sharing and learning.

For someone who has lived in a Thai Chinese household that consists of waking up to Thai congee on Saturday mornings and exchanging Thailish daily, my culture can be difficult to describe in one phrase because my experiences differ. For one, I understand that the opportunities I’m given and the challenges I face are not the same as Thai natives. I understand that I look plainly American to Thais, but not quite American enough to easily fit into the school cliques of soccer girls and socialites. I understand that I may never be able to recognize subtle Thai inside jokes because my few fellow Thai Americans and I didn’t grow up learning them. I understand that my Thailish can be considered “strange” as I fumble over certain words because I can’t remember the phrase in Thai or English. I understand that my tanned skin is unappealing to most Thais but a desired trait to most Americans.

So when people ask me about my culture and background, it might be easier now to recognize why I hesitate. Do I say that I’m Thai, Thai American, Thai Chinese American, or American? Because while I speak the language, listen to the music, and have a family in Thailand, my life mainly comprises Thailish-speaking friends who gush about Taylor Swift over highlysweetened Thai tea in quaint boba shops and McDonald’s soft serves in dimly-lit parking lots and parents who enjoy shows from both Workpoint Entertainment and at The Pantages.

It may be assumed that people rotate identities depending on who they’re with, but that’s not the case. In all these scenarios, the identities and cultural upbringings remain, but it’s how the other party responds, that varies. It’s simple to say that people should not be insensitive or prejudiced against others’ notions of living, but it’s different to encourage them to exhibit cultural understanding. Because at the end of the day, the information that is passed on to future generations and beyond social circles is the one that’s most wellunderstood and acted on. Therefore, people should not only be receptive to other cultures but also not look down upon and talk behind those who have distinct lived experiences - especially when only synopses are given.