As I look out around my neighborhood, I see a few others like me, but mostly I am different looking. I am not quite the same color. I know in some locations in this country, negative comments are made or actions taken targeting my ethnicity. I know this is true in some places within this state. There seems to be a focus on how I look or what is different about me – I’m not really all that different. Some of my friends look a little like me, but most are different from me. I, myself, have not been targeted by negative or threatening actions, but I know some Asians have been. It is often in the news. My ancestors may have come from Japan, or Korea, or China, but they came west in the 1800’s and I have lived in America my whole life.
I don’t really care what others think is the “right” way to be or look. I just focus on the positives in my life and I have many – I am generally healthy, I have a nice place to live, I am cared about and cared for, I get along with those around me, I have enough to eat and drink, and for the most part I can handle whatever comes my way. How nice if we could all live together harmoniously, accepting and appreciating one another, not just in spite of our differences, but perhaps because of them.
Some think it’s better to look like the majority of those around you. Personally, I think diversity – a variety of colors and kinds and shapes – makes the world wonderfully beautiful. Some of Asian descent may be different sizes and shapes than I am – some are tall and picturesque, others are short and muscular. Perhaps of necessity, we are all considered relatively strong. The writer of this piece loves me, thinks I am quite attractive, and enjoys looking at me every day. She chose me to be a part of her life because I added variety.
Did I mention that I like the climate where I live? I’m not really particular about the weather or my surroundings. I love the sunny days but enjoy a bit of cool shade when the day is quite hot. Here’s something you probably didn’t know about me – I feel an odd affinity for helicopters – I think I was practically born in one. Anyway, I’m expected to live a long life – perhaps as long as 100 years. I reach maturity between the ages of 10 to 15 years. I grow slowly and can reach a maximum of 30 feet in height. I suppose I am at my best in the springtime – that’s when I really blossom. Just think – all my ancestors floated down inside a helicopter seed pod and, although none of our variety is really fussy, we all prefer well draining soil. Yes, I am a Japanese maple and I’m proud of my heritage!
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