Anonymous — Family questionnaire

The questionnaireanswers as written; unanswered questions are not shown

What languages get spoken in your house, and who speaks which to whom?

English only really.

Describe a normal weeknight dinner at your house.

It really depends to be honest. We do a good mix of Asian and American food. Some days its stir fry others its pasta or pizza.

What is in your kitchen that would not be in most of your friends' kitchens?

We have a lot of powder stock for soups or dried mushrooms

Where does your family food shop, and how far do they drive to do it?

Uh Whole Foods and Wegmans

What happens in your house on a Sunday?

We go to church every sunday

What sport, instrument or activity did you end up doing — and who decided?

Volleyball and I chose it because we have friends who do it. When I was younger I did piano that my parents signed me up for, but I quit.

When did you first understand that your family was seen as Asian American — and what happened?

I didn't understand it in the moment, but I remember now that in 2nd grade this girl was doing the racist thing with her eyes, pulling them up.

What do you get asked about being Asian American that you are tired of being asked?

Not asked, but everyone assumes I am Chinese or speak Mandarin.

What was the first job or business anyone in your family had in America?

My grandpa on my dads side was in the US Military for a very long time.

What city or neighbourhood did your family first live in when they arrived?

My dad grew up in Los Angles and my mom moved around a lot because her dad was in the military

Who in your family would you most want interviewed properly, and why?

I interviewed my grandfather a little for a paper I wrote about the Vietnam War

Look around your house. What is one object your family would never throw away?

we have these mugs from Tokyo Disney that my mom and her parents have saved and never used since they were little because my grandparents bought them when they didn't have a lot of money and so they are very special to my moms family.

Held, not published

Nothing beyond the contributor’s contact details, which are never published.

Editorial notes

• Both grandfathers served in or around the US military, one for "a very long time"; the contributor has already interviewed one of them for a school paper. A strong candidate for a recorded interview.