谢谢

     “谢谢”. One Chinese character that repeats itself, forming one phrase which cannot be used enough. What’s pathetic about this is that even though I’m the daughter of two Chinese immigrants, it still ended with asking my mother to help write that phrase using my Chinese keyboard. Why? Because I couldn’t, even after lessons and lessons in Chinese language class. But my parents must have predicted this outcome when they packed their bags that one life-turning evening. In an opinionated world where no one is allowed to have differences, from colours and favourite animals to race. Yet, I’m confident they did not regret a single footstep. If anything, the only tragedy is the memories that are still being reminisced in their heads from time to time.

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     In a village back in China around two to three decades ago, fruits must have been a great expense. I remember my mom telling me this hilarious story that had stuck with her for ages. She dragged three friends onto a journey to steal fruit from their fellow neighbour's gardens. Unfortunately, the only orange she picked off the bush wasn’t ripe. To worsen, once the owner found out, he wasn’t ripe either. Furious to say the least. To the extent that four pairs of little wrists were tied to their backs, having pushed around the village with the owner showing all the locals that these kids stole an unripe orange from their garden. This ended with my grandparents paying the price with a precious bag of rice. These were the kinds of dazzling memories they left behind. The urge for something fresh and new must’ve exceeded those, however.

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     My parents were asked a simple question. What did they miss about China and why were they willing to let that go? A simple question follows a simple answer. Curiosity. There was a long list of what they missed. The many relationships built in their quarters, and the many that could have been. The hearty traditional food, the kind that only locals are able to perfect. Insanely familiar but now foreign streets and architecture. The long-lived properties they called home for years on end. Last, I was struck by their remark about missing the Chinese New Year. It was unexpected. It’s not like we ignore that day of the year overseas. But what they missed were the booming celebrations, firecrackers, red pockets, colour palettes of red and gold, lion dances, and traditional treats shared nationwide. Even though all these traditions are entirely achievable over here, I must admit that it’s a different feeling when all ur neighbours have red lanterns and Chinese calligraphy outside their door followed by in-sync laughs wearing beautiful “Qipaos” and “Hanfus”.

 

     However, what if wearing those kinds of clothing may cause danger when walking on foreign streets? My family is insanely lucky to have never run into such unfortunate events regarding our race and ethnicity. But that does not mean that we have not heard of our friends and peers of coloured races walking on hot coal every day. My father once said that in this current world, there is not one place where all races are fully accepted. We have already noticed the increase in Chinese hate crimes in some countries especially because of this pandemic. Also why Black history month is such an important event to recognize. Yet, did you know that White people visiting South Korea will likely experience matching comments and stares? In reality, all we’re doing is living out the traditions we have been born to love. So let us love.“谢谢” means thank you. “谢谢” for giving me such a colourful life.