As a first-generation immigrant from Malaysia, London-based performer Vera Chok struggled to find a place for herself in the UK. But she made a home out of the people around her. (via CNNstyle)
At Christmas, I was on stage in London, performing in Philip Pullman's"Grimm Tales" as a working mum in a middle-class English home, welcoming extended family and struggling to connect with her biological kin. I felt alien for much of that season.
One controlled my access to food, shelter and information, and the other could detain me indefinitely if it thought that I was stepping out of line. It took me a long time to separate my feelings for my family from my presumptions about Malaysians. I crave Malaysian sounds, sights and smells, but I no longer possess a Malaysian passport.
Instead, I adopt the somewhat basic term"yellow", on the basis that while we can't ever know someone's race, we do assess their skin color. Yellow people are often held apart from other, more oppressed people of color, deemed too white and privileged -- for example, in"Crazy Rich Asians," the Hollywood rom-com shows socialite Chinese-Singaporeans galloping through cash -- to require space or attention.My worth is always held in relation to other marginalized groups.
My cousin and his wife allow me -- Westernized, bolshie, artist me -- to spend time with their impressionable young children.I do not believe that socially constructed labels play a part in my bonds. These remarkable individuals actively choose to hold me close.The list goes on. I'm so lucky. I do not believe that socially constructed labels play a part in my bonds to them. These remarkable individuals I know actively choose to hold me close.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Uber drivers sue London mayor over 'racially discriminatory' anti-pollution feesPrivate taxi drivers — some of whom work for firms like Uber — are taking legal action against the mayor of London over what they claim is a racially discriminatory congestion charge.
Read more »
Art Collectors Seek Clues to Market Strength at London Sales, New York FairBidders are being selective, market-watchers say; ‘They want the right examples by the right names—and at the right estimates,’ says one dealer.
Read more »
London Stansted Airport shut for hours after aborted takeoffBritish air accident authorities investigating the aborted takeoff of a Laudamotion flight from London's Stansted Airport to Vienna that left 8 people injured. Passengers reported hearing a bang on the side of the aircraft before it skidded to a stop.
Read more »
Jeremy Corbyn egged outside North London MosqueUK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is unharmed after he was pelted with an egg during a visit to a North London mosque Sunday, a Labour Party source confirmed to CNN.
Read more »
Police called to two London airports and rail hub over suspect packagesPolice were called to investigate suspicious packages near three major transport...
Read more »
Counterterror police examine 3 explosive devices in LondonLONDON (AP) — Britain's counterterrorism police are investigating after three padded mailing bags containing small explosive devices were found near major transport hubs in London.
Read more »
HIV patient seemingly cured in second remarkable case, London doctors reportHIV cure? A second patient is HIV-free after undergoing a bone marrow transplant intended to treat cancer.
Read more »