Pale skin, dark skin, who cares? I have no issue with my facial features which are obviously Asian. I'm even beginning to accept my short legs and long torso which is very Japanese. But I do have a problem with my very American beer belly. ugh...

Some people immediately know that I'm Asian, while the majority have no clue and think I'm Hispanic. For the record, I'm biracial, White/Asian. I was never really considered Asian enough to hang with the Asian clique in high school, but I've always been accepted by whites. I feel that my Asian side is accentuated by people in college, like it's something exotic, be it good or bad. The majority here are white and it's not very diverse at all. It's definitely different than being in high school. It makes it difficult to meet people here, as some weren't exposed to other cultures while growing up. I never realized how many stereotypes against Asians there were until I was singled out for being half.

I'm happy with whatever Asian appearance I do have and equally satisfied with any Italian features I may have, even if it feels isolating sometimes or becomes something people solely identify me with. It's like, I get it - I'm Asian, but there is more to me, dammit. I love being Chinese though, don't get me wrong. I'm very proud of my ethnic background. and feel comfortable with my appearance. It just gets overdone when someone says constantly, "Hey, did you know that Rachel is Asian?"

On the earlier statements regarding the paleness of Filipinos regarded as "more attractive", I agree that its sad. I have aunts that have stocks of whitening soap and whatnot, and have been given bars of the soap as gifts; it was assumed that it was something I'd appreciate.

While living in DC I've gotten a lot of questions as to what my ethnicity was. And even in California, I would be asked what I was (I've been thought to be Spanish/Mexican/mix along with Filipino). Here in DC I've gotten chinese, spanish, and even peruvian!? 

I do have attributes I do sometimes wish were different: being taller, having a nose less-wide, but when it comes down to it,

i love being brown 

dang, it's already winter. i didn't get the memo. 

Sorry for quoting such an old message. I totally forgot about this thread.

Anna got it right. Previously, I mentionned Thailand. If you watch TV in Thailand, almost all of the leading roles are given to actors born from interracial marriages.

Have to go now... I'll come back to edit and add to this later.