AsiansOfMixedRace.com Interview:
Angelina Wentz Memon

Angelina Wentz Memon is Amerasian in every sense of the word. She was born in Nhatrang, South Vietnam. Thanks to the United Nations Orderly Departure Program, in 1988 Angelina moved to the United States reuniting with her father and her fatherland.

AMR.com: How important was it to you to write Misplaced and what is the purpose of the book?

AWM: First, I would like to thank the American government and to those who helped Amerasians come to the US. Also, I am proud to be a daughter of an American soldier.

During my past life in Vietnam, I was a victim of racial and ethnic intolerance. I wrote this book with a lot of personal and painful memories which I had experienced during the Vietnam War. Being an Amerasian (Half Vietnamese and half American) living within a Communist regime, Vietnamese people considered Amerasian children "the children of the dust" and "the children of the enemy" that were left behind by their American fathers and therefore rejected by Vietnamese society. I would like to let people know how difficult it was for Amerasians who were left behind after 1975. Those children were trapped in terrible circumstances experiencing hardship and discrimination. Misplaced is an appropriate word to describe the lives of all the mixed children who were left behind by their American fathers.

AMR.com: Your book gives a vivid picture of life in Vietnam. How difficult was it for you growing up Amerasian

AWM: It was very tough for Amerasians to live in Vietnam following the war because the entire country had fallen into poverty. Most of the Amerasian children were shifted to the countryside and as a result, acquired limited education. For me, I experienced the discrimination and hatred from a group of Vietnamese people and thus made growing up very difficult.

AMR.com: What kind of connection did you have with your fellow Amerasians in Vietnam?

AWM: I felt that they were all my brother and sisters. I felt and still feel very close to them in every sense.

AMR.com: In the 6th grade, because of a "well-written" paper, your classmates started to call you "half-breed." What was your reaction to that and how did you cope?

AWM: I felt that I was outcast and rejected by most of my classmates. I felt that I was born amongst evil stars and had no choice but to tolerate the suffering. I started to write poems to express my sentiments.

AMR.com: With all the obstacles you faced coming to America, did you ever lose hope?

AWM: No, I never lost hope. I always knew that someday I would be going to my father’s homeland---my only dream.

AMR.com: You finally received word on September 12, 1988 you were coming to America. Describe how you felt on that day?

AWM: It was an indescribable feeling. I was overwhelmed and speechless. I had waited for this day since I was a little girl. I also felt that I was free from torment.

AMR.com: How did you feel when you finally reunited with your father?

AWM: I considered myself very fortunate. I was so grateful to God that he had given me a second chance to be reunited with my father. The children of the Vietnam War who had come to America in search of their fathers were often unsuccessful due to lack of identification. Most of the Amerasians that came to the US did not have any information regarding their father.

AMR.com: How long did it take you to adapt to America?

AWM: At first, I underwent a bit of a culture shock. However, I am a fast learner as well as open-minded which made it much easier for me to adjust within a new country.

AMR.com: What is your fondest memory of Vietnam?

AWM: My fondest memory of Vietnam was when I would stroll along the beach. I would lunge into the deep blue ocean water.

AMR.com: What do you love about America?

AWM: Freedom---freedom of speech and freedom of expression. America is full of opportunities. You just have to know what you want and then put your heart and soul into it. In America, you have the opportunity to decide how you want live your life. I feel much more accepted here and at peace.

AMR.com: If you had the chance to start your life over again, would you do it?

AWM: Never. I have just one life to live. The past which I had endured has made me a strong, compassionate, and sensitive person, but I would never want to do it again.

AMR.com: What message would you like to give to Amerasians who went through what you did and what can Amerasians who didn’t experience the hardships you did, do to help?

AWM: The message I would like to give all Amerasians is that keep your head up and be proud of who you are. We must educate the world and communication is the backbone of education. For those Amerasians who hadn’t witnessed the hardship can still relate to my experiences. Supporting your fellow Amerasians is the key. Help educate the next generation of who we are.