How can you differentiate from nationalities or different ethnicities?

Question

I"m full blooded asian,but i've been called a westerner. How does that work out?

I'm a full blooded asian, that has been called a western for a reason. But, it's because they say i've got some non-asian features, such as protruding eyelid, big pupils, high cheek bones and protruding forehead. But isn't it normal for asians to have those type of features? What's the explanation on my phenotype?

Answer 1

Not all asian people have the thick eyefolds that most do and some get it surgically removed. I have known of some asians to have high cheek bones and protruding foreheads like any other person in any other race. Most likely you're called a westerner bcuz you either live or grew up here and have adopted our 'western ways'.

Answer 2

On a global level, societies have intermingled for centuries. Nowadays, Asians have many variations and range from India to Japan.Wars, exploration, colonization have happened since the beginning of time. I would bet about 5 out of 10 people cannot readily be identified based solely on outward appearance.

Answer 3

Don't worry about it. Your features aren't asian, you would probably have to get DNA testing to make a real determination. Are you willing to spend those thousands of dollars to settle such a silly point?

My family hails from Morocco. I have no Southern roots, slave ancestry, or white blood in my veins, yet my nose is straight, lips relatively thin, and my skin is a medium brown. I blend right in with other African-Americans who are legitimately from the American continental diaspora, although my forebears suffered none of their trials and I deserve no credit for overcoming those drawbacks. In my daily life, it makes no difference whatsoever.

Use the uniqueness of your background (do you know any feng shui?) to benefit yourself and others, and smile in happy recognition when you accidentally 'catch' your reflection in the mirror. We're all just incredibly lucky to be here, imo.

Answer 4

It's all a matter of perspective. I was born in Jamaica but raised in America from the age of two. it's a matter of how you choose to define yourself. There are plenty of ppl waving the American flag who can't speak a word of English- if they feel an affiliation then that is what they are. I know an asian girl who was adopted into an Italian family and she sees herself as just a big a redneck as anyone else.You choose where you think you bellong.

Answer 5

It's becoming harder to differentiate with all the mixing of races through time. I was in Hawaii and met Chinese,Korean, and Japanese people and made the mistake of assuming one was the other . Maybe you have western physical characteristics like round eyes or taller than most , it's sad but people stereotype too much.

Answer 6

You're ways are western ways

I don't have enough info about you, but I guess you have western values and perspectives and western life-experience, and maybe eat western foods in western ways...maybe lost your heritage language, and don't have newcomer's experiences.
I have visitors from mainland China in my house. They don't eat packaged foods, frozen entrees, cheese, uncooked vegetables, salad, sweet cakes, ice-cream, etc... Maybe they have different attitudes to humility vs. keeping up with the Jones's, different values and little social rules...etc etc....

Answer 7

There is no way humanly possible to do this without making mistakes. That's what's wrong with things today. People make assumptions about you when they know what you are. Keep them guessing. And if you're tired of being asked, tell them you're a human being.

Answer 8

Were you born/raised in the West? Then you're Western.

Answer 9

Nose size+shape, head size+shape, hair colour, skin colour (obviously), accent, height, physical size/shape