Keyi Yin
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Keyi Yin
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How was your life in New Zealand?
“I lived most of my life in New Zealand. I do retain a lot of Chinese culture in my life - I speak Mandarin at home. I do try to keep my Mandarin up, but I’ve become very acquainted with English, so that says something. I think Chinese culture is important to me because, as I said, despite living in New Zealand, I grew up with it. The thing about New Zealand is that it tries to promote its immigrant culture. Even the government and the immigration agency - when they talk about immigrants, they say, ‘We’re a country built off immigrants.’ Even the original native Maori people were immigrants, so there is this element of pride in immigration. At the same time, there is xenophobia and racism in New Zealand. For instance, when I was younger, I definitely do recall being told to go [back] to my own country.”
What is your motivation for sharing your story?
“Nationality-wise, I would definitely regard myself as 100% Kiwi. But also, I am still 100% Chinese. Even though the nationality on my Passport and my ethnicity seemingly might not line up, they are both my cultures. Growing up as an immigrant in New Zealand, I do feel like my status as a Kiwi has been questioned. Sometimes I feel like it’s been implied that I’m not a true Kiwi, with the same old ‘go back to your country’ remarks. So when I came to the States, it felt refreshing not to have my status as a Kiwi questioned, because I guess I accidentally got this reputation of being this token New Zealander. But I still don’t want to lose sight of my roots as a Chinese New Zealander, because they’re both my cultures, and molded together, this is a life experience...an identity that is vital to understanding who I am.”
Keyi Yin