yes I think visibility does come at a cost and it’s good to hear you have gained some freedom with your change of identity. I like the idea of being “over ascribed” I think that’s right in terms of the expectations people have if you are visibly Asian.

Cheers Hoa

you have said some really interesting things here (it’s especially interesting how you link margaret atwood’s idea of ‘visibility’ to second novel syndrome).

re: your statement that “people stick labels on you and maybe project masks on to you that you cannot remove”… this reminds me of something a friend recently said to me. he basically said that being a racialised minority means that one’s “identity is over-ascribed” (that’s how he eloquently put it)… basically, it suggests that some people will always see you in particular ways. this isn’t to say that the writer doesn’t hold some power over their identity. i have had a few conversations with people about this. (ultimately, i guess the individual can effect the most change over how they are perceived within their smaller, social circles – eg amongst friends, family, colleages… ‘communities’.)

one of the lessons i have taken from identity politics is that visibility can certainly come at a cost. i think this is why i have enjoyed some of the freedom i have gained as a writer in changing my name and identity

tom