Strawberry Picking: A Mini Narrative

Written by Carolyn Cho

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I have been told that my eyes are almond-shaped and too slanted

my skin is like a peach, bleached to a cream tone

I always feel obligated to conform to eurocentric beauty standards

because I live in a world where pressure and “fitting in” is prevalent

strawberry picking my worst features

focusing on my appearance in the mirror

carelessly stroking eyeliner on my eyelids to please the eyes of others

I guess it’s safe to say that I sometimes feel ashamed of how I look

I always thought society’s validation could cure my never-ending comparison

however, it was far more complex than I could've ever anticipated

through countless trials and errors

I got nowhere

I'm still waiting for the day someone takes me for who I am

because I am not here for your impudent criticism

I shouldn't have to strawberry pick my identity in order to satisfy you

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Written by Carolyn Cho

Designed by Giselle Medina

Dear Asian Youth SCV

2021

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