[The Best of Both Worlds]

Skipped  to Knox today to watch “Red Cliff” (some would say I floated).

「赤壁」 A Chinese film, originally in two parts, depicting the historical battle of Red Cliff.

Being the only Chinese there, I felt some obligation to be the one to ask my friends how it was at the end and I listened with some inner pride that they did, in fact, find it enjoyable.

I also listened, with amusement, to the guy next to me as he laughed and commented on scenes that I had grown up with – still amazing of course, but not exactly wow-provoking. I also read, with slight dissatisfaction, at some of the subtitle translation. That however, was not unexpected.

I realised as I took in my neighbour’s reaction that not everyone had grown up movies that didnt come out of ‘Hollywood’…

Never one to bother with imposing ‘my’ culture on other people, when I got home I found myself rummaging through our shelves for old Hong Kong movies on VCDs (yes, those ancient things) and DVDs for my friends.

I wanted others to watch them too.

—–

Growing up, I disliked being a Chinese living in Australia.

I looked Chinese, I certainly grew up with Chinese values – as handed down from my parents. But, I was surrounded by Western culture – and just as I picked up their language, I picked up their ways.

And so, I was always a foreigner.

Both in Australia, and in Hong Kong.

I was continuously looking for a place to be, to belong.

I kept the two worlds apart. But I belonged in neither.

It wasn’t until I understood that both were my worlds – and that together they made me, me – that I became comfortable with sitting in the middle.

Now I understand (and appreicate): Growing up the way I did actually gave me the biggest advantage I may ever have in life- Access to more than one set of movies, music, foods. Insight into more than one country, culture, mindset, value and habit. Pride in what each world has to offer the other. Satisfaction that I am part of both.

….And the ability to pick and choose the best parts from both. To make my own world.