I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been randomly approached and asked, “Are you Korean?” or “Are you Japanese?” Each question followed immediately by, “You look (insert Asian ethnicity here).” First thing that comes out of my mouth, “No.” First thing that comes to my head, “What the…?”
Constantly being asked these questions made me wonder, “What are the distinguishing features of Vietnamese people?” I’ll admit it; I have a hard time telling different Asian ethnicities apart. Just thinking of Vietnamese people alone and how widely our features range make me want to grovel at the feet of those who can – at the drop of a pin – nail a certain person’s ethnicity.
What makes us special? Of course, I turned to the good old Internet to figure this one out. After browsing endless forums, this is what I found:
- Darkest skin
- Shortest
- Broader noses
- Larger eyes
- Thinner faces
Let me just clarify that these features were all given by people of Asian origin – most describing their own ethnicity in the most positive light (Of course. I would too).
Let’s tackle this skin color myth. The color of your skin is dependent on the climate you live in and Vietnam has many different climate zones – from the hot humidity of southern coastal cities to the cool breezy weather the mountainous regions. This wide array of climates results in people of varying skin colors.
The other features are harder to debate, but like the skin colors – they hold true to some and not to others. My cousin is 5’11, my mom’s nose is not broad, not all Vietnamese have double eyelids and big eyes and my face is shaped like an egg (I’ve never heard anyone call an egg thin.)
It’s true, Vietnamese people don’t really fit into a mold – no ethnicity does. But, what is it about us that makes people go, “Aha! He/she is Vietnamese!” There has to be something – someone tell me what it is.
My husband is American Vietnamese and people always ask if he is from the Philippines. He has dark skin, large eyes, double eye lids, 5’10, and a medium build. I can not tell between the two myself, but people always identify him that way.
I don’t think you can easily distinguish between a Vietnamese and, say, a Thai. The same way you cannot distinguish a Swede from an Italien. Yes, granted, the Italian might fit the cliche and is smaller and darker. But there are lots of small Swedes, and lots of very white Italians (especially those from Northern Italy).
Same goes for Southeast Asia.
What seems at least partial possible, would be to recognize if a person comes from Northeastasia or from Southeastasia. Japanese and Koreans often have lighter skin, simply because they come from a cooler climate. Often, their faces look different (but I cannot exactly describe, how).
And, of course, they dress more fashionable than people in Vietnam. You see more people wearing glasses, accessoires, etc. Then again, if we are talking about a Korean or a Vietnamese living in the US, this last point certainly does not apply at all.
Last but not least, I am not sure why anybody actually thinks that he SHOULD be able to recognize the passport of sombody by looking at their face. Very often, ethnicity has nothing to do with the shape of states, anyway. Very often, ethnicity is a very complicated matter, where lots of influences mixed together. There might be some people who fit the “cliche” Vietnamese/Swede/Italian, but there are most of the time just as many who fit not.
Lana Huyen said:
It’s true, Vietnamese people don’t really fit into a mold – no ethnicity does. But, what is it about us that makes people go, “Aha! He/she is Vietnamese!” There has to be something – someone tell me what it is.
-Well Lana, the answer is easy…..you’re distracted by something oh so momentarily…and when you turned back around again…your wallet is GONE! Or your (insert name of valuable, but not BOLTEDdown item…)
That’s how you tell.