<p>I’d like to start off by saying that this has been going on for several years already. It started off during middle school and progressed since then. Now I’ll start the story. </p>
<p>I moved to a new location and so in 5th grade, I was in a different school. Back then, I was around 10 years old, and I wasn’t really the most “normal” person that you met. I barely talked and I did strange things that made other kids think I was weird, ignore me, and make fun of me. Then middle school came and I tried to fit in, but unfortunately it didn’t work. That and I still never talked. People still made fun of me, except this time no longer in front of me, just behind my back. </p>
<p>And now it’s high school, I’m a junior, and I’m ****ing tired of all this crap. No one treats me like a regular person. People think I’m weird, strange, socially challenged, and mentally ■■■■■■■■. But I’ve changed a lot since middle school - I talk a lot more now and take part in more activities, although most of them are not in school. I get good grades (3.5 GPA unweighted) and also take AP classes but others seem to disregard that and still think of me as inferior to them. I don’t know why people keep ignoring me and treating me like I’m handicapped in some way. </p>
<p>I remember a while ago some girl came up and said to me “Hi (my name).” So I said “hi” back and then she said “how are you?”. And later I observed her and found out that she doesn’t really approach people that way, just to me, which makes me feel like crap because it’s like no one treats me like I’m normal. Now people just treat me normally when I’m there, but I have such a strong feeling that when I leave, they talk about me and make fun of me behind my back. </p>
<p>I know I’m different from other people (I’m Asian) but I still deserve the same level of respect that other people get. It’s like no one respects me and everyone looks down on me. </p>
<p>This is something that doesn’t really hurt me that much, but is something that I’ve been wondering about for a very long time. </p>
<p>Well, you’re not the first person to feel this way and talk about it here on CC. What I’ve noticed about most of these posters (who share your problem) is that they’re most likely being a bit paranoid about their situations. What they would call patronizing I would’ve called normal or casual. </p>
<p>For example, you cited the fact that a girl greeted you in a different way from what you observed. Given the information you gave, I’m guessing that you two are no more than acquaintances. Her greeting to you, therefore, was out of politeness. It was different from the way she greeted others perhaps because they were already friends, thereby warranting a more personable greeting. She simply greeted you differently because she doesn’t know you like a friend.</p>
<p>As a side note, people always talk about others, even friends, behind their backs. Nothing unusual there.</p>
<p>I feel that way too sometimes. Being a socially challenged Asian girl also who doesn’t talk or have friends doesn’t help. Just ignore the silly people and let yourself shine in class. Worrying about them is incredibly draining, and just not worth it.</p>
<p>I kind of can empathize. I was a total delinquent/jerk until 5th grade, when my best friend moved. It still haunts me, but not as bad as you, so I shouldn’t say anything.</p>
<p>Um. I was just quiet until high school started. Then I became loud/obnoxious about nothing. I also have the problem of making small talk when I can’t think of anything due to nervousness.</p>
<p>You could try to completely reinvent yourself in terms of your behavior, how you dress, how you approach people, etc. Very difficult thing to do, but if you can sweep away the surprise that people first get from the “new you”, eventually they will get used to it and the “new you” becomes the normal you. Especially if you can convincingly pull off your persona, not caring about any possible weird looks or discussions about how you changed, then it just might work.</p>
<p>Maybe what’s happening is this. Often times, what happens to me is, when I greet/say hi to a quiet, Asian girl, I remember that their culture generally dictates quietness and humility. So I’m like “oh yeah, I really shouldn’t talk so loudly”, and do similar things to the girl you mentioned in your post. Maybe that’s just what it is.</p>
<p>I’ve been treated like I’m ■■■■■■■■ before. But then maybe I am in some ways. Just don’t let it bother you. If you don’t think about it, it disappears.</p>
<p>Hmm I think I can understand your situation. It is very possible based on that incident you described, that people perceive you being very shy and therefore entirely unapproachable. In turn, people might find you “awkward” or “strange”, and as a result make fun of you. You might want to work on that relatability factor, which may cause certain people to avoid you. Try to allow people to understand you, so they don’t find you such an outcast. Make an effort to actually smile and such. Also be a generally positive person; people tend to like people who are optimists.</p>
<p>I kinda have the same problem but not that worse. But i would gladly be your friend just for being Asian since there isnt any Asian kids at my school.</p>
<p>One person I’m fairly close to actually met me once when I was in 7th grade. He thought I was mentally handicapped. My best friend thought I was creepy the first time I talked to him. My current girlfriend of one and a half years thought I was the most awkward person ever (which is possibly true) when I first met her.
Somehow people always feel this towards me, yet they become the people I’m closest to.</p>
<p>Hey awkward Asian girl! I’m an awkward asian girl too. I’ve encountered some bullying in my day (mostly about my race) but not as nearly as severe as yours. I know it’s hard sometimes to ignore things like this, but try your best to send the idgaf aura to the people who put you down. You’ll find someone who understands you eventually just be patient.
High school is just a small part of your life. Maybe this experience will make you into a better person (like what mine did to me).
Meanwhile, listen to Matchbox 20’s song “Unwell”. its a beautiful song, and I have a feeling that you’ll like it as much as I do. </p>
<p>This is sometimes how I felt in my old town, not at all in my current city. I’d always get montone (or overly enthusiastic), repetitve responses in any conservation. It depends…do you actually have any good friends? </p>
<p>BTW the disorder being talked about its AsPErger’s syndrome, not AsBUrger’s syndrome. Believe me, I know because I was once thought to have it.</p>
<p>Do you know for a fact that people think you are mentally ■■■■■■■■ or are you making assumptions?</p>
<p>Also, if you are comfortable sharing, what are some things you do that are considered “weird”?</p>
<p>I go to a very preppy high school and I do notice that a lot of high school kids are too afraid to do anything that they don’t see their peers doing, so there isn’t a lot of room for individuality. For example, many of my peers make fun of people who play chess because of the negative stereotypes associated with it, despite chess being a completely normal hobby.</p>
<p>In a way, I sort of feel for you. I used to be really quiet, as well. I used to hear people talking about me behind my back about how annoying it was that I was so shy. I guess I kind of branched out a bit as I got older and now I’m actually pretty talkative and bubbly for an introvert. Most people are able to overcome their awkwardness as they get older, but sometimes it takes a lot longer because you have to wait until you find yourself in a situation that you are comfortable in. I’m sure college will be a lot easier for you, granted you don’t go to a “social school” like USC.</p>
Just ignore the silly people and let yourself shine in class. Worrying about them is incredibly draining, and just not worth it.</p>