Eurasian actors and model on existing between two worlds, how they struggled with their identity, and now see their diversity celebrated
- Eurasian actors Andrew Koji and Arifin Putra, and model turned Muay Thai fighter Mia Kang all struggled with their identities as children
- When they achieved success they found themselves being celebrated for their diversity
The Asian diaspora in the West often rejoices when Eurasian faces find success in the entertainment industry.
And while most, if not all, Eurasian celebrities recognise the role they play in increasing representation, the warm welcome they receive after finding success hasn’t always been a constant throughout their lives.
For some, growing up with parents of different nationalities has provided a window into multiple cultures and communities. But for others, there are stories of cultural clashes, identity crises and, sometimes, isolation as they attempted to fit in with their Asian peers while growing up.
When the South China Morning Post caught up with Koji earlier this year, the British-Japanese actor explained that his Eurasian identity was something he’d long struggled with.
“I ran away from it for a long time. I think a lot of Eurasian people have, because they feel like they don’t belong in either culture,” he says.
