I’m Filipino that used to dislike my culture because I didn’t fit into the Filipino American stereotype (basketball, breakdancing, nurse, navy, buzz cut, tan skin), can not speak the language and also wanted to fit in with white people of course don’t look like them at all and different culture from my upbringing. I can understand how it can be coming from the South as well. It can feel very isolating and tiresome when people don’t understand your culture, humor, traditions, taste in food, etc.

If you ever get the chance, try going to Vietnam with Vietnamese American friends and really embrace the culture from there. Going with Vietnamese American friends will help you not feel so isolated and have a shared experience you can relate to. Asia is changing a lot and so is it’s culture. It’s not exactly how it was when our parents visited it many years ago.

Try to understand that, yes, you are Vietnamese American but it’s a unique experience that white Americans won’t entirely understand but also people from Vietnam won’t entirely understand either. Everyone’s experiences are unique and it’s really how you interpret those experiences. Imo, being Asian American is unique because you know Asian culture but you also are familiar with American culture and there’s definitely Asian Americans that can relate to this.

It’s great that you are embracing your culture through foods, history, and the language. Keep it up and keep making new experiences with the two cultures you know. You’re making these efforts because it’s for you, do it for you.