I live in Taiwan. Like Koreans, Taiwanese people can also be very blunt about one’s appearance and weight. One time I was exercising in the park and two ladies walked by. They stopped, pointed and talked about every single visible body part as if I couldn’t hear them. I’ve never been more aware of my features until I moved here. It was definitely a big adjustment, but after four years, it doesn’t phase me. In the classroom, my students are old enough where I can make them think about their line of questioning by reversing it.

For example:

“Teacher, why are you so dark?”

Me: Why are you so light?”

“Why are your eyes big?”

Me: Why are your eyes small?”

“Taiwan people don’t look like you”

Me: Where I’m from, most people don’t look like you.