So, theoretically, I’m a banana. Though, maybe half a banana.

Let me explain.

In Malaysia, we call Chinese people who cannot speak their native tongue a “banana”. (Yellow on the outside but white on the inside, get it??) Bananas are often looked at with disdain by Chinese who can speak and read Chinese.

Chinese people — those from Mainland China or the diaspora, fiercely cling to their culture and origins. Like, we are very aware that we are from this super ancient, 5,000-year-old civilisation, didn’t you know? Many of us still practice customs that are just as old, no matter how long our ancestors have left China.

So, if something negative is being said about China, we will feel it, even if we’ve never stepped foot in China. I find that an interesting thing because when the Western media began pumping out anti-China news, I began to feel really, really offended. Logically, I couldn’t comprehend it and thought something was wrong with me. But when I asked other Chinese folks who were born abroad, they felt the same.

But that issue is a topic for another day. However, this mindset will help you understand why I’m called a tropical fruit.