This one is for my fellow mixed babes!
Being Japanese Kiwi
At 23 I had to choose my identity
“Are you Japanese or are you kiwi?”
What do you know at 23?
I knew that the Japanese had rejected me
From the time that I could understand
“Oh, you look so much like your Dad”
I grew up as white assuming
Not white passing because
I’m not the one trying to pass as white
You’re the one assuming
This zine is a small introduction to the lived experience of myself as a mixed person, and the gap between language and appearance as perceived by others. Not being accepted by your own people, because of how you look, even if you speak the language. The cultural histories that lead to these assumptions made by others and the complex feelings of lost identity and (un)belonging it evokes in people of mixed backgrounds.
Zines (pronounced ‘zeen’ like in the word ‘magazine’) are small self publications of text and/or images, and are usually filled with art, poems or general musings.
Being Japanese Kiwi Zine
Being Japanese Kiwi Zine
9.5cm x 10cm
12 pages