Say Hapa, With Care |
AAPI Voices: Amplifying the voices of Asian Pacific America.
2014-06-18
Sharon Chang, Guest Columnist
What does Hapa mean? One way to know is to look at the ways in which the word is used.
It’s a “Hawaiian word for ‘mixed-race’,” says Hapa Kitchen Supper Club, “coined to refer to people of East Asian and Caucasian backgrounds.” Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar calls it “a harmonious blend of Asian and American.” It’s a “slang term,” proclaims The Natural Hapa: Bamboo Bundles and Hapa Time: Style Inspiration chirps it’s “just one of the coolest words ever.” There’s Hapa Yoga, Hapa Ramen, Hapa Grill, Hapa Cupcakes, Hinode sells a “Hapa Blend” of brown and white rices and Hapa Culture sells…erasers?
Let’s talk about this word, Hapa…
Read the entire article here.
Tags: AAPI Voices, Maile Arvin, Maile R. Arvin, Maile Renee Arvin, Sharon Chang