Growing up 'mixed-race'

I wrote mixed race in quotation marks in the title for a reason. That reason being because there are many terms used but this one seems to be the one people use the most (myself included). If it does offend I apologise, but is exactly why I put it in those quotation marks.

 I'm half Japanese, my mum is Japanese and my dad is English. I've lived in England my whole life.

For the most part people think it's pretty cool to be half Japanese, and it is! Its meant I've grown up around being able to try different and amazing foods, been able to visit Japan on several occasions to see family and it has opened my eyes to understanding another culture first hand.

But with that I've faced quite a bit of racism too. I've had someone shout at me in the street telling me go to back to my own country and people saying all sorts of words to me, which I won't write down because its completely offensive and doesn't need to be repeated.

There have also been times when someone will say 'are you Chinese?' and when I reply no half Japanese, I'll get the occasional response of 'Well what's the difference?'...Well its a different country for a start...

The best way to react to racism? Is to not react to it. Most of the time its just idiots trying to look hard by intimidating people. The other times its just lack of understanding.

Overall its pretty great and enjoy being able to tell people about the adventures I've been on, foods I've tried and generally random stuff I know. I hope anyone else is able to feel comfortable and proud of who they are and no one should make you feel otherwise.

xx