ICC (Intercultural Communication Center)Waseda University

This ICC event allowed me to confront the ever-pervasive question, “What are you?”.  The event comprised two activities: a presentation by the guest speaker and a photoshoot. Kip Fulbeck, the founder of The Hapa project, provided us with a thought-provoking perspective on the question, “What are you?” It compelled me to think beyond the rigid binaries created by race and ethnicity, and to better understand the experience of living in shared cultures. 

A variety of portraits of previous participants of The Hapa project and their personal anecdotes were placed throughout the room for us to observe. These were both funny yet emotional, as young adults confronted their struggles to fit in while children simply scribbled random drawings. 

Finally, we took an Instax photo and were given a chance to answer the initial question ourselves. It took me a while to think of what answer I should give, but I was eventually able to encapsulate my identity as an Indian person. Despite not fitting the conventional definition of “hapa” or “mixed”, I often found myself facing similar struggles. India’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity often creates rigid, region-bound identities that I was unable to fit into. I am glad to have had the opportunity to confront this non-typical identity. 

Overall, I was extremely satisfied and happy after attending my first ICC event. I encourage other students to keep an eye out for interesting events that allow you to experience and participate in something different.