Introduction Have you ever been asked, “Where are you *really* from?” even after you’ve clearly stated your hometown? Or perhaps you’ve felt like an outsider in both predominantly Asian and predominantly Western spaces, a sense of not quite fitting in anywhere? If so, you might understand the complex reality of being Asian but being perceived … Read more
Introduction Imagine a world where your most fundamental identifier, the very phrase “What’s My Name?” triggers a cascade of uncertainty and anxiety. While this might sound like the plot of a thriller, the reality is that in the digital age, our names have taken on an entirely new dimension. No longer simply a label bestowed … Read more
Introduction In a world grappling with complex issues of identity, belonging, and the impact of globalization, the work of sociologists becomes increasingly crucial. Among the voices contributing significantly to these critical conversations, Mary Bettina Bakrania stands out as a scholar whose insights illuminate the intricate relationship between culture, identity, and social change. This article delves … Read more
Introduction We’ve all been there. That moment of awkwardness, the fleeting panic, the desperate search in your memory banks: you’ve forgotten someone’s name. Or, perhaps the shoe is on the other foot, and you’re the one being addressed with the wrong moniker, a name that just doesn’t fit. Names, seemingly simple identifiers, hold a surprising … Read more
Introduction Have you ever been asked, “Where are you *really* from?” despite feeling deeply connected to your Asian heritage? Or perhaps someone has remarked, “You don’t *look* Asian,” leading to an internal questioning of your own identity? This disconnect between how you see yourself and how the world perceives you can be a complex and … Read more
