I HATED Being Vietnamese...

Summary

In this video, David shares his personal journey of growing up as a Vietnamese immigrant in Germany. He reflects on the struggles he faced, from being mocked for his Vietnamese name to feeling caught between two cultures. Over time, his perspective shifts, especially after a transformative trip to Vietnam, where he learns to embrace his cultural heritage. He encourages others in similar situations to appreciate their unique cultural backgrounds, to not internalize racism, and to frame challenges as opportunities for growth and self-empowerment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embracing your cultural identity can be challenging, especially when growing up in a foreign country with a different ethnicity.
• 😀 Experiences of racism, such as having a name mocked, can deeply affect a person's self-esteem and sense of belonging.
• 😀 Feeling caught between two cultures is a common struggle for people who grow up in immigrant households, leading to identity confusion.
• 😀 It's natural to want to fit in with the dominant culture, but this can result in distancing oneself from one's own ethnic roots.
• 😀 Traveling to the country of your heritage can lead to a sense of belonging and pride in your culture, as it offers a direct connection with people who share your background.
• 😀 Realizing the beauty and value of one's culture often happens later in life, especially after negative experiences with discrimination.
• 😀 Embracing both cultures can be empowering, as you can take positive aspects from each and incorporate them into your identity.
• 😀 Negative experiences, like racism and mockery, can be used as fuel for personal growth, ambition, and resilience.
• 😀 People often mature over time, and those who made fun of you in the past may eventually recognize their wrongdoings.
• 😀 It's important to decide how to react to insults or racism—rejecting them allows you to maintain power over your emotional response.
• 😀 The key to self-acceptance lies in embracing your heritage, talking to family about your culture, and experiencing your roots firsthand.

Q & A

Why did the speaker dislike being Vietnamese for most of their life?

The speaker struggled with their Vietnamese identity due to racism and cultural differences while growing up in Germany. They were mocked for their Vietnamese name, and felt isolated and judged by their peers, which led to a sense of not fully belonging to either culture.

How did the speaker’s name impact their experience growing up?

The speaker’s Vietnamese name, Fi Hong, was often mispronounced by their teachers and peers. This mockery made them feel embarrassed and different, leading to a lack of confidence and a desire to distance themselves from their Vietnamese heritage.

How did racism manifest in the speaker’s school life?

The racism appeared through mockery of the speaker’s name, with classmates making fun of it and disregarding the importance of cultural differences. This constant teasing negatively affected the speaker’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.

What does the speaker mean by being 'stuck in between two cultures'?

The speaker felt caught between their Vietnamese heritage and the German culture they grew up in. They didn’t fully fit in with either group, struggling to integrate into German society while also distancing themselves from their Vietnamese roots due to negative experiences.

How did the speaker’s perception of their Vietnamese identity change after visiting Vietnam?

Visiting Vietnam at age 14 was a turning point for the speaker. It was the first time they felt truly accepted and appreciated for their Vietnamese identity. Being surrounded by people who shared their ethnic background helped them realize the beauty of their culture.

What role did the speaker's physical appearance play in their experience in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, the speaker felt tall and noticed for the first time, which contrasted with their experience in Germany where they often felt short. This physical distinction, along with the warm acceptance they received, helped them feel more comfortable and confident in their Vietnamese identity.

What did the speaker learn about Vietnamese culture during their visit to Vietnam?

The speaker learned to appreciate the beauty of Vietnamese culture, realizing that their heritage was something to be proud of. They observed the cultural pride of the Vietnamese people and understood that their experiences of rejection in Germany were not a reflection of their culture’s value.

How did the speaker reconcile their dual cultural identity after visiting Vietnam?

After their trip to Vietnam, the speaker stopped trying to fit in with just one culture. They embraced both their Vietnamese and German identities, recognizing the strengths and values of each and finding ways to integrate both into their life.

What advice does the speaker give to others dealing with a dual cultural identity?

The speaker advises others to embrace both sides of their identity and find value in each culture. They emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and suggest using negative experiences as motivation to achieve success.

How did the speaker view the mockery they experienced in high school in hindsight?

In hindsight, the speaker views the mockery as a source of motivation. They realize that those who made fun of them were immature, and now, as a successful adult, they use the negative energy from those experiences to drive their ambition and growth.