mayanangel:

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Stars Talk Groundbreaking Movie

THE FACT THAT Henry Golding literally says “I’m Iban” on the Ellen Show just gives me all the goddamn feels, okay.

That even with his mixed parentage, the fact that he accepts and owns his heritage and ethnicity – AND SAYING SO – on such a massive platform, makes me so proud as someone who is also of native Borneo descent.

Why? Because like so many indigenous peoples of the world – we are only ever mentioned in entertainment media as token “others” who exist in token “other” countries, where our very existence is judged by how “different” we are from the rest of the civilized world.

Which pisses me off, tbh.

Heck, even in MY OWN COUNTRY, too often are we treated and stereotyped as token exotic people – who will only be taken seriously if we put nationality BEFORE ethnicity when engaging with the world. Which is problematic in so many ways, especially since the general world’s impression of what makes up Malaysian people is incredibly narrow as it is.

So yeah, the fact that Henry – who could have EASILY gotten away with ONLY saying he’s “half-Malaysian and half-British” – for him to say upfront that he is of IBAN HERITAGE first and foremost? THAT is EVERYTHING to me.