The pain is visible. It is a process to sort out. She is a breath of fresh air to be so honest about the struggle and the path to self realization. I want people out there to know you are good enough. You are worthy and meant to be here. Keep Going!
That is so right. We must remember only God is perfect....no one else can be perfect but we are good enough. I think everyone goes through this phase in their lifetime.
It is crazy how Joanne felt so small and not pretty when I am stunned by her beauty and talent! She is someone I could look at and listen to all day long. She is stunning and so very talented. It is just crazy how many of us suffer through feeling inferior as younger children and teens then even as grown women when others find us beautiful and audacious. It is a shame how much of our lives are spent believing what a few say or how they treat us when there is just so much more to us than that! I can’t wait to read her book!
Yes, we were programmed to believe lies based on society's idea of beauty, success, etc. which isn't truth at all. Now that more of us are becoming enlightened, we see the damage it has caused us, and get to choose to think and behave differently than before. Blessings! ✨💗✨
OH my god, you are so right. I was watching this woman voice an almost identical shift that I am going through at a similar age, and it does seem like a crime to have wasted so many years feeling not good enough, shame, inferiority... but you don't know until you know, hey? :-)
I've met Joanna's mom, we had a short chat, and she is so full of light! Full of smiling, happy energy, she walks into a room and everyone knows she's there. She really loves and supports her whole family.
Hopefully she also has the liberty to not be all smiles, for fulfilling this expectation can be exhausting, and leaves a part of oneself in the shadows, for we all have the parts that need to held up.
I, too, met Joanna’s mom a couple of times at the silos. She is such a sweet little lad and so very proud of her incredibly talented daughter. It was a pleasure to meet her.
I’ll never forget a new student arrived from Japan in my 4th grade class. We had a “Japan week” for her, celebrating her culture and food. She was MISERABLE. She hated the attention and wanted to disappear. She only lasted 4 months. I always wondered what happened to her. Such a sad, difficult time for her. I’ll never forget her, even 56 years later.
All of that personal attention went against her culture. Your empathetic nature has probably served you well in your life. I remember a boy from my 1st grade class who was held back. Jimmie was loved by all. We felt terrible for him and us that he would not move up with us. Today I am sure any learning difficulties he had would be recognized and accommodated. If Jimmie was ever given the help he deserved, I can imagine he would be a great leader. His charisma and intelligence were evident to me even as a 6year old.
I’m impressed by the empathy here. God only knows where these people are but the fact that their memories survive in your hearts speaks volumes in this horrible cruel world. Thank you 🙏 ❤
I could understand how uncomfortable it must have felt. When my class was studying an Asian topic every classmate looked over at me since I was the only Asian. I wanted to blend in with everyone so badly. I grew up feeling like a foreign alien although I was born here. Eventually I moved and the new city was much more diverse.
There seems such a depth to her energy. Yes, maybe guarded but a thoughtful gentle spirit. The calm persona is actually what appeals to me. Her description of how she watched her mother react for her learning cue says a lot about influence of upbringing and is so touching.
Ok so I have the video paused at 1:35 because I’m crying now having listened to Joanna’s book excerpt, which I’m feeling in my bones! Every word of that opening passage describes so well how I’ve felt in my forties as life has chugged on around me while I feel all the things Joanna expressed so perfectly! So well said!
I have never watched this show (Hoda & Jenna), is it always like this? Talking over each other and their guests? What I was able to hear and understand was great, Joanna is one of my favorites and will get her book. She is an inspiration.
She is perfection. She wrote a beautiful statement about how she and chip started their business and it spoke to me so deeply that it saved my life…it gave me hope in my own journey as an artist. I think Jo is just gorgeous and beautiful and so incredibly real. Thank you for being you! You truly impacted me! ❤
She is an amazing woman. Chip is cool too, but let's face it - he hit the jackpot when he hooked up with Jo. All the best to them both, and their family, always!!! Truly inspirational, positive folks!
I just turned 84 and am a mixed Asian. I grew up in an all white community until high school. I met for the first time Chinese, Japanese, Black, Mexican. They all lived and stayed in their ethnic groups. I didn’t fit into any of them. I married a First born American whose family was from Europe. When I think of my 5 foot mom who did things all her life that I now find amazing. I’m sorry that I didn’t know her full story when she died at 100. I need to tell mine.
Wow, this is so inspiring and affirming. I am also part Korean and Mexican and my parents story is almost the same as hers. My father was in the US army stationed in South Korea when he met my mom and he also proposed to her and offered a plane ticket to the states and my mom took a chance going to a different country. My mom is amazing and continues to show how strong a spirit she is even at age 77 now. I will definitely have to get her book. I can definitely relate to how she felt as a child. I was ashamed of my Korean heritage for so long because of all the teasing and terrible things people would say but thankfully have grown to appreciate and be proud of both sides of my racial background. Thanks
My daughter also was going through the same thing, as were many children of interracial parents. When we went back to my Native Tribe, she told me, "I feel like I found myself, I belong.
Oh wow. My moms Korean and dad a GI. Was born in Korea and have a lot cultural isms that come from my mom. As a lil brown girl walking through the Korean market w/her, I saw the looks she got. She too put her shoulders back and kept walking. It took me into my adulthood/motherhood to realize that she had it so much harder. I definitely relate. ❤
@@H0neyB1972 I have to agree with you about not being accepted fully by either side. As a half Japanese & half Caucasian woman, I had to accept myself & not worry about what others judged. I can only do me!
I relate to her life. I had it like hers and got exhausted too and fell into anxiety big time as I’ve aged. Menopause threw me into it and it’s definitely challenging. Good to know she’s slowing down. I really admire her as a mother.
Me too! It took me 2 years to figure out it was menopause bringing it on, but I tell you what, the knowlege and wisdom I have gained about myself has been incredible. Hard going but incredible!
This is important for Joanna’s audience. Many of whom want to wish away or pretend that racism doesn’t exist in America. Just read the comments below to look at all the rebuttals to her experience. Very healthy story sharing.
I love Joanna and what she has accomplished. I am American born but grew up very poor, believe me we suffer the same discriminations and very hurtful childhood. Experiencing the same insecurities such as not ever belonging or being included by the kids that had much nicer clothes and homes. Trying to be invisible and not be noticed and never wanting to be the center of attention due to feeling inferior and not as good as others that had nicer clothes and lived in nicer homes.
What a great story about her childhood and adult. I am Korean-American when I move to PA I got a lot of stare and judgement because I live in a white community. I felt alone and depress. When I talk to some of them they were generous and friendly now I like living in PA. There are some good people and bad people out there so we shouldn’t judge or make any negative comments. We should embrace and be more open and importantly listen. Hate less and love more.
Completely agree with trying never to make any snap judgements about anyone; we can never truly know what another human is going through at any given time. ❤ @Peter Cho I am also from & currently live in PA. So glad to hear you enjoy living here now!! May I ask what are of our State you reside in? I live in Northeastern PA, near the Scranton area. It has been becoming a much more diverse than it had been even several years ago, and that aspect makes me feel much better overall about living in this area. ❤🎉
I always wonder why non-white people feel that people looking at them is somehow a negative or anything at all to do with their race. Maybe we all have eyes and we just look at people around us. I'm white and I look at everyone around me. Mostly, I'm looking at people for something they're wearing, or, maybe I think they're pretty. Maybe I'm just watching where I'm going and I don't want to bump into people. Maybe I'm just people-watching.. something we ALL do! And, why do non-white people always specifically mention white people when discussing this topic? People look at me, too. Am I to assume people look at me for any other reason than they have eyes and I'm in their presence? Am I to feel self-conscience that people are thinking that I'm judging them or thinking of them negatively merely because I'm white if they are not?? Modern society has become toxic and exhausting.
@@charityaesI'm wondering if you've ever been in a non-White majority space (not somewhere like a touristy area in Cancun- but a Korean restaurant where you're the only White customer would count). Just like how you can feel people's eyes on you without seeing them stare- you can feel a difference when people are looking at you because you are a different/unexpected race vs when they are looking at you to avoid running into you on the sidewalk. I'm not saying that every white person stares at every POC like this- and even when they do, it's not always with malevolence or suspicion (I've certainly had people stare at me until they finally approached me out of curiosity to ask what kind of Asian I am), but it does happen. Sometimes you want to be just another anonymous person in the crowd- but for a POC entering a space that's mainly white, we can't just wear non-descript clothing & hide under a baseball cap to blend into the crowd.
@@margolious Uhh yes you can. It’s in your head. White people really don’t care about POC like you imagine. POC really don’t stand out. They are everywhere in America so it’s odd to me that POC feel somehow “on display” around white people. It’s ridiculous. And, to answer your question, yes, I grew up, ironically, in Mexico as a minority Caucasian.
Love it, loved Joanna & Chip since Fixer upper ❤️❤️ both she & Chip are soo down to earth & real, they both do not have “airs” despite their successes. Way to go Joanna, more good things to come ! 😊
It is nice seeing someone that went through something similar to me become successful. Our lives were different, but I was the same type of little girl. And in my 40s I had to come to terms with myself and wrote a lot to get there. She is fortunate she has the support she has. I have had to leave my family to free myself.
That is so interesting about your experience you shared from kindergarten. Our son who is also multicultural came home from kindergarten one day and asked us about where he comes from. We never told him exclusively “this is what you are” we just lived our lives respecting and observing our cultures so it was very surprising for such a little person to ask such profound questions. There are definitely some interesting dynamics that I observe but will never understand…things our son faces every day that I will never have to. But I also see kindness and openness and pride in him. He’s only 9 but he’s one of the best humans I know. It’s incredible and completely humbling. Thank you for sharing so my son does not feel alone.
I am a huge fan of Joanna. Not just her talent, but of who she is. She seems to forge ahead and just do what feels right, and I admire that so much. Looking forward to reading her book. Continued success, Joanna! I am always believing in you.
I can understand how she feels and what she went through. I to have a Korean mother and an American father and I can say that it’s not always easy to feel like you can be your full self with everyone
I left a comment generally to this video that also applies here. Your mother is also an American citizen (most likely), and if you want to impart a cultural difference you can say that your mother was brought up in Korea if that is the case. Do you feel that you could be your full self with your parents, who intimately know where you "came from" as far as experiences? Also, this feeling can (but is not necessarily) an affect that happens to children with two parents that were brought up in Korea but themselves grew up in America. Personally, I don't find cultural aspects as much a part of my personal identity but I do understand that it can be a barrier with people who do. People can argue how much culture must necessarily be part of your identity psychologically. But rather than see it as something that can't be overcome you can choose to relate to the shared experiences. THe cutural respect can come just the same as other respect given to differences such as religion.
@@vesperslynd2676 In time, you will likely see from experience what the person you were replying to shared about her cultural /racial experience in America. Do children of immigrants share that experience too? Likely there are similarities & differences. But America isn't focused as a whole on culture as much as it is on race. Additionally, there isn't just a focus on Blsck or White, but otherness & white, Black representing the greatest disparity.
I've loved Joanna for years now, and her husband Chip always cracks me up. I never tried to learn more about her history because I respected that she was a very private person despite her on-air demeanor. But now that she's got a book out, I'm so intrigued, as I had been before, but now I can show it. ha! She's so classy and professional and carries herself with such maturity, I just love her! Thanks for sharing! I wish racism wasn't a thing but her being bi-racial and speaking publicly about it supports my bi-racial son and my family and life, in general, so thank you, Joanna, you ROCK!
I understand interviewers and even friends wanting to identify and empathize, but not feeling pretty enough and not feeling welcome because of skin color, creed and culture are two very different things. Hear her story and identify in your heart, but know that there’s a piece of her pain you don’t recognize unless you have lived it. We minimize others’ pain when we constantly look for a point of identification for ourselves.
Yeah, I thought the same thing! Feeling not pretty enough is totally different than feeling ostracized bc of your race. No matter how much make up you put on, or what you wear, your race will not change and if people judge you for it, you will feel like you just don't belong no matter what you do
I can relate to this 100%. It wasn’t because I was different ethnically it was because my life at home was abusive and chaotic. I’m sure I portrayed insecurity and it also didn’t help that my parents cared less if I had one pair of pants and was constantly aware of how any second I was going to hear those words, “didn’t you wear those pants yesterday?” Followed by giggles and more hurtful comments. It almost seems trivial as I type this out but I can clearly remember feeling afraid at home and ashamed at school. I finally ended up becoming very angry and was one of the first 15 year olds allowed to go to a continuation school.
I understand her experience. Being mixed race girl growing up in a not very diverse town, I've had other kids tell me "it's not possible" to be mixed race and telling me my dad isn't my real dad just because we didn't look alike. While other kids did things to try and stand out, I tried to be "obedient" and not cause a fuss. You'd just ignore when people would be rude.
My son is "mixed". He was told I was not his mother by kids in his class. (I am mostly Caucasian, some Cherokee, and a pinch of Black). I straightened it out. Kids can be a*sholes.
@@marysmith861 I think some of the kids learned the ignorance from their parents. I remember there was a friend I had at school but couldn't see her outside of school because she said her dad didn't like people who weren't white.
I wish she would have just got straight to the point....I felt different because I'm MIXED RACE. Why is that so hard for her to say! Wish you both well🙏
@@tamarastone141 Prob bcs she doesn't want her kids to feel "different". And they aren't different in any kind of negative way, they just are who they are. The offspring of two amazing human beings. Unique. Blessed, no matter who thinks or says otherwise. That's what Joanna hopefully understands and will impart to her children. They are blessed but not better.😊
What a beautiful discussion between 3 amazing ladies! Thank you for vulnerably sharing our humanity to unite us all. 🙏🏼 for continued blessings over the Gaines family and us all!
Yes it does. However, we live in a world where parents won't and dont let or make their kid's be accountable for anything. If my kids did something wrong they suffered a punishment for it. I stood up for my kids if I really felt they weren't at fault and made them own up to their wrong doings. Parents......wake up!!!!!
I can relate to her story of not fitting in in life or school. I was tease bc I was overweight and felt less than and not good enough due to my size and not having a lot of friends growing up and like Joanna I’m still learning to let go and love all of me as an adult!
😔 I hope you have found your self worth and are not defined by your weight at this time .. Best of luck, its not easy forgetting being made fun but i hope you have found your worth 😉
I had the opposite problem being small and skinny. I used to hide my arms because I got tired of people putting their fingers around my wrists and telling me how skinny they were. I couldn't get clothes small enough to fit me, etc.
Goodness, I totally agree. The two hosts were so annoying, especially Jenna. They need to let the guests speak without all of the yeahs. I’m surprised that they are so unaware that the affirmations are unnecessary and takes away from an interview. Joanna Gaines, on the other hand is a class act, both beautiful and smart and I could listen to her all day.
The hosts are so busy Practicing them self up and off being greedy for attention are totally annoying. I like watching their show once in a while but most of all it’s a free-for-all of who’s going to get the most attention. I do not see what makes her she’ll stay on the air. Sometimes I think it’s for a very small minded people. I know I share with hypnotize for a while
When I look at Joanna and Hoda all I see are 2 amazing beautiful woman. Never thinking what nationality they are, and then the people who judge them because there different. How life can be so difficult when we are young and learning to navigate and fit in. For some of us, we never fit in for so many other reasons because we're just a little ahead of are time.
@@robyndismon394 no! Can you see my last name Madrigal I'm Hispanic and I'm making a compliment that I don't look at people by the color of the skin I look at people by the energy of their heart and their goodness. Wake up
Looking at "race" can unintentionally lead us into stereotypical thinking and assumptions that aren't true. The truth is We are all One with various, individual expressions. As humans we have a social need to belong, to be part of a tribe. IMO, we should not be pressured to "fit in", but rather be fully accepting of others as they are.
@@deannamadrigal7503 No YOU wake up! Coukdnt care less what your last name is. You clearly referred to them as 'different' and that alone is deeply problematic.
This is so relatable. I was born to two Mexican immigrants and while I could “pass” as full white I didn’t know English. My first language was Spanish and I had a HARD time learning English and feeling different and not like everyone else and for me I lost confidence in my identity and what was considered normal now. I rebelled and refused to learn English until I had no choice or I would be held back again. I always looked at others to make sure I was assimilating and “acting” like the other kids to blend in. Her story is so so relatable. Don’t even get me started with the perfectionism and controlling aspects of trying to prove that I’m enough. So much healing is needed.
I was the only Korean in my elementary class and I sure felt different. My kids are half white. Times have changed. They go around telling everyone they are Korean. One day my husband said "tell people you're half white too. I want some representation"
She is speaking for children of immigrants whether mixed or full.. I am Eastern European and didn’t speak a word of English in preschool and to this day I struggle with feeling accepted. Healing through her story🙏🙏
Congratulations on your book!!! something you said I realize that's what I've been doing the last couple years, empty nester so they say, finding myself, there's peace and joy. I live alone for the first time in my life it's been a real hard adjustment last couple years. I started remembering who I was as a teenager. Lots more to tell. well God bless you and your family
A lot of us adult can relate to what Joann’s childhood was like and being different. I was teased for being too dark and too tall and it kinda makes you feel ugly inside. Fortunately my mom always told me I was pretty my chocolate skin is pretty and being tall is a good thing because I don’t look like everyone else. It’s funny how things change as I got older and in middle school. All of the sudden it was your chocolate skin in pretty and I wish I was tall like you 😅 but for the most part the ugly statements is what we carry with us. I learn to let it go along time ago but it’s shameful it even happened to us 🤦🏾♀️
Thank you for sharing “you”. I have students that are part Asian and they feel they have no identity. They struggle with this to this day. She reclaimed her heritage recently. It caused some interesting reactions from some close friends. She’s very successful and we continue to focus on Her. Yes, no more pieces. She feels whole. I will share your book. By the way, I have watched you and Chip from the beginning. I love you Joanna. Everything has brought you to the lovely woman you are. Lucky us.
Hoda, not just parents of immigrants go thru this, I was born and raised in the US & never included in school things, never had friends, was laughed at. Once I walked by someone and she turned around & kicked me in the backside for no reason! I just wish kids were taught right in kindergarten like Steve Chappelle’s class to honor that Japanese student!
We NOW have the chance to change the story, and NOT be bitter or resentful, but to see from a higher perspective. Things were not done to us, but FOR us. Mature thinking may lead us towards better understanding and compassion for the aggressors who were likely mistreated. Blessings! ✨💗✨
I love Jo and Chip. The original HGTVers in my opinion. As an immigrant, I can absolutely relate to her. What makes this even more beautiful is that she is an overcomer! Risen above her circumstances ❤
Look how grown her daughters are now! I haven’t grown back to watching them since they returned but still think they have a beautiful family & a great life. Chip & Joanna are lively together ❤
When she's talking, it could be me talking. As a kid I was so happy and brilliant proud to be me...but somewhere in elementary school, I think 3rd grade, I lost that. I went through the world steeling myself against anyone's potential rejection... I'm finally getting to the point of letting myself melt and be gentle and accept the gentleness and love of others.
My wife and I adopted 3 Korean kids, they each handled their differences differently. It’s a burden I never had to bear but I think as children we find our own differences to suffer and worry about. Our kids made our lives complete.
So many of us go through this. There is no one pure bread. Nothing new under the sun. Always starts young. Some of us have support, some do not. As we evolve, time either heals or if we choose not to believe in yourself, reflect and choose to grow and be better, then our journey becomes what we decide to do.
Despite two incredibly rude interviewers, Joanna once again proves she’s enough!! Splendid performance that was raw and real, keep doing what your doing! 🎉
My daughter’s Eurasian blonde blue eyed. Despite her beauty growing up has been hard for her, she didn’t know where to fit in, has low self esteem and tried to make herself small so not to be noticed. She’s been teased that she’s adopted and I’m not her real mother. I’m Filipino our physical appearances are so different. I’m proud of my heritage and tried to instil cultural pride in her but I think she felt shame instead. Racism is real and damaging. Kids have teased her if I’m from Alaska, indigenous, Hawaiian, the Caribbean or an Eskimo. My hope is one day she looks in the mirror to see a beautiful young lady who is enough, intelligent and truly unique
I'm Filipino too and my kids are mixed raced (Filipino/Caucasian). I can understand how you feel. My kids are young and so my husband and I are encouraging them to embrace their Filipino heritage. I've learned that I have to be intentional so I started teaching them aspects of Filipino culture--whether it's a song like Bahay Kubo, or the alphabet, or phrases in Tagalog. They love Filipino food! It helps that my husband is super supportive and appreciates my culture as well. We live in an area where there is a very small Asian population but at church, we have a diverse group, and my parents live in a big diverse city. So we try to expose them to different cultures. I think finding a supportive community will also help.
@@RosezanneMarcus thanks for your encouragement. Being part of community and embracing heritage is important. When my daughter was young we were part of Filipino association and she was Hawaiian dancer for years. But she never felt comfortable with the girls “chismis” too much and I think were jealous. She’s now in college and I hope her mental health is better. My son is better adjusted I think but he’s still too young
Being bullied happens to everyone, everywhere, to every race..and it sucks. I changed schools in second grade and moved to an area where Caucasian kids were in the minority. Swear to anything, I’m telling the truth, I was in the minority at my school and I’m white. And I was picked on, bullied for being white. I was tricked into giving away lunches for friends that didn’t actually want to be friends. Bullied for my clothes, my pale skin tone, that I only spoke English and I sounded “funny”. I would have from what I could tell mean things said to me in Spanish and Filipino. And it really hurt because I was so young and didn’t understand and just wanted to be friends. I ended up finding my way and making friends, but it took a long time and I was bullied up until my freshman year of high school. I’m 41 now, and I still feel how I felt in 2nd grade. It extremely damaging to be ridiculed and picked on and bullied for who you are, for what you are..it’s a devastating thing. The irony is that I actually moved from the Bay Area in California to a small town close to Stockton CA and I had a lot of friends of different races and never even knew what racism was until I moved. It was a rude awakening for a little girl who was also outcasted for the color of her skin. * I’m sorry if my comments are offensive to other people. I don’t mean anything by it and I’m not trying to diminish what others have gone through. I just wanted to share my painful experience as a Caucasian kid. Idk… I love Joanna, she’s a lovely person and it is sad to hear she went through bullying and lost that little girl for so long. I hope she can find her way back ❤
I have had similar experiences as a child and adult. At 48 I felt prejudice for the first time and I didn't even know what that was. While it might of been happening all along I really saw it for the first time! And it is still happening. It amazes me as I am 3rd generation here in the US. As I approach 60 and have been single for 15 yrs I find that as Joanna said people after they know me say they were afraid of me. 😮So I get that stoic presence. I just don't know how to change that, hence still single 😂 Gonna but the book now...thx for the opportunity to grow ❤
Love Joanna. So sad that her classmates treated her that way as kids generally learn that from adults. We as a country need to get so much better at this!
I think the biggest take away is really self introspection. So many human beings walk through life never reflecting on anything or ever changing and are walking robots of their wounded childhood selves.
I believe one has to be self aware before they are able to self introspect. Some people are more keen to it than others. Also a person's environment and culture plays a big role in how we view ourselves and those around us.
I can relate. It happened to me in 5th-8th grade. Definitely afterward, it was a metamorphosis for me! I am grateful to God for the full circle moments and "becoming" ❤️🙌🏽
I had a friend from Vietnam back in 1970 named Vivienne. Vivienne was living here in California with her Mom. Unfortunately, in 1971 her Mom died of cancer and Vivienne was being sent back home to her father in Vietnam. My family tried to adopt her so Vivienne could stay safe in the USA. Vivenne's Dad made her go home to Vietnam. I never heard from Vivienne again.
Yes, Jenna we all share experiences of not fitting in but how can we possible understand what internalizes racism feels like if we have never experienced it. It is my parents experience so when I hear her explaining it I feel like I understand my parents better.
Can relate in many ways, I was 10 when I moved to the US from Ukraine and that was not just a huge culture shock and years of homesickness, but also trying to fit in and yearning to feel like I belong and be confident. I’m only now at 40 learning the self worth and true confidence, just as Joanna did.
Absolutely love her, you can just tell that she is an awesome woman & mama. Loved watching fixer upper, I have always wanted to do the same thing!!! I can't wait to read her book!!!
Everyone has a story. We just need to learn to listen to eachother more.
Well said
And start raising our kids with values of acceptance of diversity.
Love this!
The pain is visible. It is a process to sort out. She is a breath of fresh air to be so honest about the struggle and the path to self realization. I want people out there to know you are good enough. You are worthy and meant to be here. Keep Going!
Yes🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻what a beautiful interview! And such a beautiful woman inside and out!💖🙏🏻🥰
That is so right. We must remember only God is perfect....no one else can be perfect but we are good enough. I think everyone goes through this phase in their lifetime.
It is crazy how Joanne felt so small and not pretty when I am stunned by her beauty and talent! She is someone I could look at and listen to all day long. She is stunning and so very talented. It is just crazy how many of us suffer through feeling inferior as younger children and teens then even as grown women when others find us beautiful and audacious. It is a shame how much of our lives are spent believing what a few say or how they treat us when there is just so much more to us than that! I can’t wait to read her book!
Yes, we were programmed to believe lies based on society's idea of beauty, success, etc. which isn't truth at all. Now that more of us are becoming enlightened, we see the damage it has caused us, and get to choose to think and behave differently than before. Blessings! ✨💗✨
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
OH my god, you are so right. I was watching this woman voice an almost identical shift that I am going through at a similar age, and it does seem like a crime to have wasted so many years feeling not good enough, shame, inferiority... but you don't know until you know, hey? :-)
I've always felt too big and not pretty so there's that
Wow so well said Kathy.
I've met Joanna's mom, we had a short chat, and she is so full of light! Full of smiling, happy energy, she walks into a room and everyone knows she's there. She really loves and supports her whole family.
Hopefully she also has the liberty to not be all smiles, for fulfilling this expectation can be exhausting, and leaves a part of oneself in the shadows, for we all have the parts that need to held up.
I, too, met Joanna’s mom a couple of times at the silos. She is such a sweet little lad and so very proud of her incredibly talented daughter. It was a pleasure to meet her.
What an amazing soul she is. I'm glad she's with a soul mate who understands her. God bless that beautiful family.❤❤
I’ll never forget a new student arrived from Japan in my 4th grade class. We had a “Japan week” for her, celebrating her culture and food. She was MISERABLE. She hated the attention and wanted to disappear. She only lasted 4 months. I always wondered what happened to her. Such a sad, difficult time for her. I’ll never forget her, even 56 years later.
All of that personal attention went against her culture. Your empathetic nature has probably served you well in your life. I remember a boy from my 1st grade class who was held back. Jimmie was loved by all. We felt terrible for him and us that he would not move up with us. Today I am sure any learning difficulties he had would be recognized and accommodated. If Jimmie was ever given the help he deserved, I can imagine he would be a great leader. His charisma and intelligence were evident to me even as a 6year old.
Oh woww didnt even realize that she could feel that way although the embracing was intentional
I’m impressed by the empathy here. God only knows where these people are but the fact that their memories survive in your hearts speaks volumes in this horrible cruel world. Thank you 🙏 ❤
What do you mean she only lasted 4 months? What happened to her
I could understand how uncomfortable it must have felt. When my class was studying an Asian topic every classmate looked over at me since I was the only Asian. I wanted to blend in with everyone so badly. I grew up feeling like a foreign alien although I was born here. Eventually I moved and the new city was much more diverse.
There seems such a depth to her energy. Yes, maybe guarded but a thoughtful gentle spirit. The calm persona is actually what appeals to me. Her description of how she watched her mother react for her learning cue says a lot about influence of upbringing and is so touching.
Ok so I have the video paused at 1:35 because I’m crying now having listened to Joanna’s book excerpt, which I’m feeling in my bones! Every word of that opening passage describes so well how I’ve felt in my forties as life has chugged on around me while I feel all the things Joanna expressed so perfectly! So well said!
Joanna didn't have to share these struggles, but it's so profound, beautiful and helpful that she chose to.
I have never watched this show (Hoda & Jenna), is it always like this? Talking over each other and their guests? What I was able to hear and understand was great, Joanna is one of my favorites and will get her book. She is an inspiration.
It’s unintentionally reminding me of the “SNL” sketch where Kristen Wiig’s character and Bill Hader’s character interview celebrities.
Meeeeyow 🐱🐱🐱
I seen the same thing,like Hoda just had to talk about herself,and they both sound sick!
I think they were so excited to interview Joanna that they couldn't talk fast enough.
It’s called having a conversation and they were all being genuine. I enjoyed it.
Not sure if Joanna Gaines has a podcast, but she should have a podcast! She’s calm and easily articulates her thoughts and feelings! I love it
Well, she did study broadcast journalism, so.
I think Jenna is spot on when she says "we all had something we were teased about or felt bad about". Everyone does. Especially in grade school.
We were alll bullied. And we all bully at some time.
She is perfection.
She wrote a beautiful statement about how she and chip started their business and it spoke to me so deeply that it saved my life…it gave me hope in my own journey as an artist.
I think Jo is just gorgeous and beautiful and so incredibly real.
Thank you for being you! You truly impacted me! ❤
No one is perfect, maybe perfectly imperfect??
What was the statement ?
I love Joanne, she speaks with wisdom and love, most of all she stays true to who she is, fame has not made her haughty.
She is an amazing woman. Chip is cool too, but let's face it - he hit the jackpot when he hooked up with Jo. All the best to them both, and their family, always!!! Truly inspirational, positive folks!
Totally agree.. love her!! She is such a beautiful person inside and out ❤️
As an asian american, I get what she experienced. And now that I'm older, it makes me think about my mom's experience.
...and what a parent maybe unconsciously passed on to you. Knowing that may give us a fuller understanding of ourselves. Blessings! ✨💗✨
I just turned 84 and am a mixed Asian. I grew up in an all white community until high school. I met for the first time Chinese, Japanese, Black, Mexican. They all lived and stayed in their ethnic groups. I didn’t fit into any of them. I married a First born American whose family was from Europe. When I think of my 5 foot mom who did things all her life that I now find amazing. I’m sorry that I didn’t know her full story when she died at 100. I need to tell mine.
Wow, this is so inspiring and affirming. I am also part Korean and Mexican and my parents story is almost the same as hers. My father was in the US army stationed in South Korea when he met my mom and he also proposed to her and offered a plane ticket to the states and my mom took a chance going to a different country. My mom is amazing and continues to show how strong a spirit she is even at age 77 now. I will definitely have to get her book. I can definitely relate to how she felt as a child. I was ashamed of my Korean heritage for so long because of all the teasing and terrible things people would say but thankfully have grown to appreciate and be proud of both sides of my racial background. Thanks
I happen to think that the mix it’s very beautiful
I could have written this right on down to my mothers age but my father is German American rather than Mexican.
what does her story inspire you to do @marcelladominguez8787?
My daughter also was going through the same thing, as were many children of interracial parents. When we went back to my Native Tribe, she told me, "I feel like I found myself, I belong.
Thank you for doing what you do Joanna. Proof anyone who feels “different” can make it.
Oh wow. My moms Korean and dad a GI. Was born in Korea and have a lot cultural isms that come from my mom. As a lil brown girl walking through the Korean market w/her, I saw the looks she got. She too put her shoulders back and kept walking. It took me into my adulthood/motherhood to realize that she had it so much harder. I definitely relate. ❤
I can relate to this ♥️
Thank you. I’m glad you’re here.
@@H0neyB1972 I have to agree with you about not being accepted fully by either side. As a half Japanese & half Caucasian woman, I had to accept myself & not worry about what others judged. I can only do me!
I relate to her life. I had it like hers and got exhausted too and fell into anxiety big time as I’ve aged. Menopause threw me into it and it’s definitely challenging. Good to know she’s slowing down. I really admire her as a mother.
Me too! It took me 2 years to figure out it was menopause bringing it on, but I tell you what, the knowlege and wisdom I have gained about myself has been incredible. Hard going but incredible!
This is important for Joanna’s audience. Many of whom want to wish away or pretend that racism doesn’t exist in America. Just read the comments below to look at all the rebuttals to her experience. Very healthy story sharing.
Racism is everywhere dear not just America. My dad is from Europe. He said it was rampant there.
@@katemiller7874 it can exist multiple places. She's talking about the US because Joanna is from the US.
@@katemiller7874 she didn’t say it didn’t exist everywhere though. Your comment proves her point.
Yes Paula. That part!!!
@@sundaeswithliz7974 exactly!
I love Joanna and what she has accomplished. I am American born but grew up very poor, believe me we suffer the same discriminations and very hurtful childhood. Experiencing the same insecurities such as not ever belonging or being included by the kids that had much nicer clothes and homes. Trying to be invisible and not be noticed and never wanting to be the center of attention due to feeling inferior and not as good as others that had nicer clothes and lived in nicer homes.
Absolutely agree. I would never want to re-live my childhood.
Me either!
Joanna Gaines has really gotten in touch with herself. I'm so glad she never changed her hair color, being who she really is, and going back.
She is gorgeous
Asians never dye their hair..
@@adonnaprice9676 A LOT of people don't dye their hair.
@@adonnaprice9676 Many Asians dye their hair.
@@bt1837 maybe older women sure, not blonde..
What a great story about her childhood and adult. I am Korean-American when I move to PA I got a lot of stare and judgement because I live in a white community. I felt alone and depress. When I talk to some of them they were generous and friendly now I like living in PA. There are some good people and bad people out there so we shouldn’t judge or make any negative comments. We should embrace and be more open and importantly listen. Hate less and love more.
Completely agree with trying never to make any snap judgements about anyone; we can never truly know what another human is going through at any given time. ❤
@Peter Cho I am also from & currently live in PA. So glad to hear you enjoy living here now!! May I ask what are of our State you reside in? I live in Northeastern PA, near the Scranton area. It has been becoming a much more diverse than it had been even several years ago, and that aspect makes me feel much better overall about living in this area. ❤🎉
💯! ❤
I always wonder why non-white people feel that people looking at them is somehow a negative or anything at all to do with their race. Maybe we all have eyes and we just look at people around us. I'm white and I look at everyone around me. Mostly, I'm looking at people for something they're wearing, or, maybe I think they're pretty. Maybe I'm just watching where I'm going and I don't want to bump into people. Maybe I'm just people-watching.. something we ALL do! And, why do non-white people always specifically mention white people when discussing this topic? People look at me, too. Am I to assume people look at me for any other reason than they have eyes and I'm in their presence? Am I to feel self-conscience that people are thinking that I'm judging them or thinking of them negatively merely because I'm white if they are not?? Modern society has become toxic and exhausting.
@@charityaesI'm wondering if you've ever been in a non-White majority space (not somewhere like a touristy area in Cancun- but a Korean restaurant where you're the only White customer would count). Just like how you can feel people's eyes on you without seeing them stare- you can feel a difference when people are looking at you because you are a different/unexpected race vs when they are looking at you to avoid running into you on the sidewalk. I'm not saying that every white person stares at every POC like this- and even when they do, it's not always with malevolence or suspicion (I've certainly had people stare at me until they finally approached me out of curiosity to ask what kind of Asian I am), but it does happen. Sometimes you want to be just another anonymous person in the crowd- but for a POC entering a space that's mainly white, we can't just wear non-descript clothing & hide under a baseball cap to blend into the crowd.
@@margolious Uhh yes you can. It’s in your head. White people really don’t care about POC like you imagine. POC really don’t stand out. They are everywhere in America so it’s odd to me that POC feel somehow “on display” around white people. It’s ridiculous. And, to answer your question, yes, I grew up, ironically, in Mexico as a minority Caucasian.
She's so genuine! Just lovely.
Love it, loved Joanna & Chip since Fixer upper ❤️❤️ both she & Chip are soo down to earth & real, they both do not have “airs” despite their successes. Way to go Joanna, more good things to come ! 😊
The constant "yeah's" from Hoda and Jenna drive me crazy
It is nice seeing someone that went through something similar to me become successful. Our lives were different, but I was the same type of little girl. And in my 40s I had to come to terms with myself and wrote a lot to get there. She is fortunate she has the support she has. I have had to leave my family to free myself.
And this is probably the best thing you could do for yourself. Find your peace and happiness. ❤️
That is so interesting about your experience you shared from kindergarten. Our son who is also multicultural came home from kindergarten one day and asked us about where he comes from. We never told him exclusively “this is what you are” we just lived our lives respecting and observing our cultures so it was very surprising for such a little person to ask such profound questions. There are definitely some interesting dynamics that I observe but will never understand…things our son faces every day that I will never have to. But I also see kindness and openness and pride in him. He’s only 9 but he’s one of the best humans I know. It’s incredible and completely humbling. Thank you for sharing so my son does not feel alone.
I am a huge fan of Joanna. Not just her talent, but of who she is. She seems to forge ahead and just do what feels right, and I admire that so much. Looking forward to reading her book. Continued success, Joanna! I am always believing in you.
Hi how are you doing?
I can understand how she feels and what she went through. I to have a Korean mother and an American father and I can say that it’s not always easy to feel like you can be your full self with everyone
I left a comment generally to this video that also applies here. Your mother is also an American citizen (most likely), and if you want to impart a cultural difference you can say that your mother was brought up in Korea if that is the case. Do you feel that you could be your full self with your parents, who intimately know where you "came from" as far as experiences?
Also, this feeling can (but is not necessarily) an affect that happens to children with two parents that were brought up in Korea but themselves grew up in America.
Personally, I don't find cultural aspects as much a part of my personal identity but I do understand that it can be a barrier with people who do. People can argue how much culture must necessarily be part of your identity psychologically. But rather than see it as something that can't be overcome you can choose to relate to the shared experiences. THe cutural respect can come just the same as other respect given to differences such as religion.
@@vesperslynd2676 In time, you will likely see from experience what the person you were replying to shared about her cultural /racial experience in America. Do children of immigrants share that experience too? Likely there are similarities & differences. But America isn't focused as a whole on culture as much as it is on race. Additionally, there isn't just a focus on Blsck or White, but otherness & white, Black representing the greatest disparity.
@@earlinedixon4226 she is Egyptian- American
The Gaines family are such a gift from above!
I've loved Joanna for years now, and her husband Chip always cracks me up. I never tried to learn more about her history because I respected that she was a very private person despite her on-air demeanor. But now that she's got a book out, I'm so intrigued, as I had been before, but now I can show it. ha! She's so classy and professional and carries herself with such maturity, I just love her! Thanks for sharing! I wish racism wasn't a thing but her being bi-racial and speaking publicly about it supports my bi-racial son and my family and life, in general, so thank you, Joanna, you ROCK!
I understand interviewers and even friends wanting to identify and empathize, but not feeling pretty enough and not feeling welcome because of skin color, creed and culture are two very different things. Hear her story and identify in your heart, but know that there’s a piece of her pain you don’t recognize unless you have lived it. We minimize others’ pain when we constantly look for a point of identification for ourselves.
TRUTH ❤
THANK YOU for saying this!!! I was thinking the SAME thing!!! 🤍🙏🏾
Leslie, brilliant summing up.
Yeah, I thought the same thing! Feeling not pretty enough is totally different than feeling ostracized bc of your race. No matter how much make up you put on, or what you wear, your race will not change and if people judge you for it, you will feel like you just don't belong no matter what you do
Perfectly stated! ❤
A wonderful conversation with Joanna Gaines - her story is uplifting and inspiring!
I can relate to this 100%. It wasn’t because I was different ethnically it was because my life at home was abusive and chaotic. I’m sure I portrayed insecurity and it also didn’t help that my parents cared less if I had one pair of pants and was constantly aware of how any second I was going to hear those words, “didn’t you wear those pants yesterday?” Followed by giggles and more hurtful comments.
It almost seems trivial as I type this out but I can clearly remember feeling afraid at home and ashamed at school. I finally ended up becoming very angry and was one of the first 15 year olds allowed to go to a continuation school.
Love this women! you can tell she has such a beautiful soul.
She has given everyone a glimpse of an incredible legacy through her character and genuineness.💕
I understand her experience. Being mixed race girl growing up in a not very diverse town, I've had other kids tell me "it's not possible" to be mixed race and telling me my dad isn't my real dad just because we didn't look alike. While other kids did things to try and stand out, I tried to be "obedient" and not cause a fuss. You'd just ignore when people would be rude.
My son is "mixed". He was told I was not his mother by kids in his class. (I am mostly Caucasian, some Cherokee, and a pinch of Black). I straightened it out. Kids can be a*sholes.
@@marysmith861 I think some of the kids learned the ignorance from their parents. I remember there was a friend I had at school but couldn't see her outside of school because she said her dad didn't like people who weren't white.
I grew up half asian/white and in a non diverse small town too… got bullied a lot for looking different. i look forward to reading her book
I wish she would have just got straight to the point....I felt different because I'm MIXED RACE. Why is that so hard for her to say! Wish you both well🙏
@@tamarastone141 Prob bcs she doesn't want her kids to feel "different". And they aren't different in any kind of negative way, they just are who they are. The offspring of two amazing human beings. Unique. Blessed, no matter who thinks or says otherwise. That's what Joanna hopefully understands and will impart to her children. They are blessed but not better.😊
What a beautiful discussion between 3 amazing ladies! Thank you for vulnerably sharing our humanity to unite us all. 🙏🏼 for continued blessings over the Gaines family and us all!
I love watching your old shows and how you two always included your children in what you were doing. I definitely will look for your book ❤
Bullying needs to have consequences.
And so does racism
The consequences will be there; we just may not see them. Everyone gets their own "Day of Reckoning". 🙏
Yes it does. However, we live in a world where parents won't and dont let or make their kid's be accountable for anything. If my kids did something wrong they suffered a punishment for it. I stood up for my kids if I really felt they weren't at fault and made them own up to their wrong doings. Parents......wake up!!!!!
I feel like she’s telling me what I’m going through I turned 45 today and my heart and mind shifted this last year ti a new place
Happy Birthday Tia 🎉 I’m 45 too!
Sorry but could we let Joanna talk instead of the 2 hosts talking?????
Bush. Yeah yeah yeah yeah
As hosts they can agree with her without vocalizing! Head nods, leaning in and other gestures. But stop the “yeah, yeah!”
Exactly. All they want to do is talk about themselves. They’re so annoying.
True in so many cases on these
shows. Hosts won’t listen to guests. Frustrating!
Can't stand them
Joanna is such a lovely and talented human. I really enjoyed how well she articulated herself in this interview. Great job to all!
I can relate to her story of not fitting in in life or school. I was tease bc I was overweight and felt less than and not good enough due to my size and not having a lot of friends growing up and like Joanna I’m still learning to let go and love all of me as an adult!
😔 I hope you have found your self worth and are not defined by your weight at this time .. Best of luck, its not easy forgetting being made fun but i hope you have found your worth 😉
I had the opposite problem being small and skinny. I used to hide my arms because I got tired of people putting their fingers around my wrists and telling me how skinny they were. I couldn't get clothes small enough to fit me, etc.
Joanna you’re amazing. Thank you for your honest, wholesome work.
I apprecate her honesty..
😭😭😭 I love her, and I love that she’s different. Thats why I always supported her. 🥰✨
All the "yeah, yeahs" from Hoda and Jenna were annoying. Hard to hear what Joanna was saying.
Goodness, I totally agree. The two hosts were so annoying, especially Jenna. They need to let the guests speak without all of the yeahs. I’m surprised that they are so unaware that the affirmations are unnecessary and takes away from an interview. Joanna Gaines, on the other hand is a class act, both beautiful and smart and I could listen to her all day.
@@annakim5589 ~ Agreed! "affirmations are unnecessary"! Zip it!!!
The hosts are so busy Practicing them self up and off being greedy for attention are totally annoying. I like watching their show once in a while but most of all it’s a free-for-all of who’s going to get the most attention. I do not see what makes her she’ll stay on the air. Sometimes I think it’s for a very small minded people. I know I share with hypnotize for a while
Wonder if they realized they did it that?
So true. It drowns out Joanna’s story, her pain, her epiphany. They have tv space to fill, but we need to listen and hear.
When I look at Joanna and Hoda all I see are 2 amazing beautiful woman. Never thinking what nationality they are, and then the people who judge them because there different. How life can be so difficult when we are young and learning to navigate and fit in. For some of us, we never fit in for so many other reasons because we're just a little ahead of are time.
How are THEY different. Are you Caucasian? So standing next to 3 Latinos would that make you different.
Everybody is not white for gods sake
@@robyndismon394 no! Can you see my last name Madrigal I'm Hispanic and I'm making a compliment that I don't look at people by the color of the skin I look at people by the energy of their heart and their goodness. Wake up
What’s wrong with wondering what nationality someone one is. It’s interesting to learn about others
Looking at "race" can unintentionally lead us into stereotypical thinking and assumptions that aren't true. The truth is We are all One with various, individual expressions. As humans we have a social need to belong, to be part of a tribe. IMO, we should not be pressured to "fit in", but rather be fully accepting of others as they are.
@@deannamadrigal7503 No YOU wake up! Coukdnt care less what your last name is. You clearly referred to them as 'different' and that alone is deeply problematic.
This is so relatable. I was born to two Mexican immigrants and while I could “pass” as full white I didn’t know English. My first language was Spanish and I had a HARD time learning English and feeling different and not like everyone else and for me I lost confidence in my identity and what was considered normal now. I rebelled and refused to learn English until I had no choice or I would be held back again. I always looked at others to make sure I was assimilating and “acting” like the other kids to blend in. Her story is so so relatable. Don’t even get me started with the perfectionism and controlling aspects of trying to prove that I’m enough. So much healing is needed.
Joanna has done a lot of spiritual work, not an easy thing! I commend her!
I was the only Korean in my elementary class and I sure felt different. My kids are half white. Times have changed. They go around telling everyone they are Korean. One day my husband said "tell people you're half white too. I want some representation"
She is speaking for children of immigrants whether mixed or full.. I am Eastern European and didn’t speak a word of English in preschool and to this day I struggle with feeling accepted. Healing through her story🙏🙏
Accepted by whom?
She is doing the work on herself, like we all do. God bless Joanna and her family. Love what she's accomplished.
Congratulations on your book!!! something you said I realize that's what I've been doing the last couple years, empty nester so they say, finding myself, there's peace and joy. I live alone for the first time in my life it's been a real hard adjustment last couple years. I started remembering who I was as a teenager. Lots more to tell. well God bless you and your family
A lot of us adult can relate to what Joann’s childhood was like and being different. I was teased for being too dark and too tall and it kinda makes you feel ugly inside. Fortunately my mom always told me I was pretty my chocolate skin is pretty and being tall is a good thing because I don’t look like everyone else. It’s funny how things change as I got older and in middle school. All of the sudden it was your chocolate skin in pretty and I wish I was tall like you 😅 but for the most part the ugly statements is what we carry with us. I learn to let it go along time ago but it’s shameful it even happened to us 🤦🏾♀️
Thank you for sharing “you”. I have students that are part Asian and they feel they have no identity. They struggle with this to this day. She reclaimed her heritage recently. It caused some interesting reactions from some close friends. She’s very successful and we continue to focus on Her. Yes, no more pieces. She feels whole. I will share your book.
By the way, I have watched you and Chip from the beginning. I love you Joanna.
Everything has brought you to the lovely woman you are. Lucky us.
I'm definitely checking out this book!!! She was such a JOY❤️
Everyone has struggles in life. It is all about how we learn to deal with those struggles.
I was thinking same. They needed to let guest speak more. I love Joanna. She is so down to earth.
Thank you Hoda, and Jenna, for letter Joanna express herself! Great interview. So excited to grab the book.
Hoda, not just parents of immigrants go thru this, I was born and raised in the US & never included in school things, never had friends, was laughed at. Once I walked by someone and she turned around & kicked me in the backside for no reason! I just wish kids were taught right in kindergarten like Steve Chappelle’s class to honor that Japanese student!
We NOW have the chance to change the story, and NOT be bitter or resentful, but to see from a higher perspective. Things were not done to us, but FOR us. Mature thinking may lead us towards better understanding and compassion for the aggressors who were likely mistreated. Blessings! ✨💗✨
She's a huge role model .
Despite her struggles , she's come such a long way ..
I love Jo and Chip. The original HGTVers in my opinion. As an immigrant, I can absolutely relate to her. What makes this even more beautiful is that she is an overcomer! Risen above her circumstances ❤
Great interview! It's a beautiful journey to become whole and authentic, good job Joanna!
It’s great how she says that moving to NY was what made her feel that she finally belong. That’s wonderful that why NY is the best.
I love watching Joanna's show, but my respect for her is 100 fold - as I totally relate to her words of wisdom. Gotta get this book! TY!
Look how grown her daughters are now! I haven’t grown back to watching them since they returned but still think they have a beautiful family & a great life. Chip & Joanna are lively together ❤
Amazing interview! Joanna is awesome and real! Loved this!❤
When she's talking, it could be me talking. As a kid I was so happy and brilliant proud to be me...but somewhere in elementary school, I think 3rd grade, I lost that. I went through the world steeling myself against anyone's potential rejection... I'm finally getting to the point of letting myself melt and be gentle and accept the gentleness and love of others.
It’s also difficult when you are born on the hyphen. Both sides not fully accepting you so I just learned to accept myself 💗
I didnt expect when I started watching this Id relate so much. The perfectionism, the feeling you have something to prove to everyone.
My wife and I adopted 3 Korean kids, they each handled their differences differently. It’s a burden I never had to bear but I think as children we find our own differences to suffer and worry about. Our kids made our lives complete.
Just find her so inspiring and love her work
What a beautiful woman, inside and out ♥
So many of us go through this. There is no one pure bread. Nothing new under the sun. Always starts young. Some of us have support, some do not. As we evolve, time either heals or if we choose not to believe in yourself, reflect and choose to grow and be better, then our journey becomes what we decide to do.
Despite two incredibly rude interviewers, Joanna once again proves she’s enough!! Splendid performance that was raw and real, keep doing what your doing! 🎉
What a precious picture of a beautiful little girl! If I had been in her class, I would have wanted to have been her friend.
My daughter’s Eurasian blonde blue eyed. Despite her beauty growing up has been hard for her, she didn’t know where to fit in, has low self esteem and tried to make herself small so not to be noticed. She’s been teased that she’s adopted and I’m not her real mother. I’m Filipino our physical appearances are so different. I’m proud of my heritage and tried to instil cultural pride in her but I think she felt shame instead.
Racism is real and damaging. Kids have teased her if I’m from Alaska, indigenous, Hawaiian, the Caribbean or an Eskimo.
My hope is one day she looks in the mirror to see a beautiful young lady who is enough, intelligent and truly unique
I'm Filipino too and my kids are mixed raced (Filipino/Caucasian). I can understand how you feel. My kids are young and so my husband and I are encouraging them to embrace their Filipino heritage. I've learned that I have to be intentional so I started teaching them aspects of Filipino culture--whether it's a song like Bahay Kubo, or the alphabet, or phrases in Tagalog. They love Filipino food! It helps that my husband is super supportive and appreciates my culture as well. We live in an area where there is a very small Asian population but at church, we have a diverse group, and my parents live in a big diverse city. So we try to expose them to different cultures. I think finding a supportive community will also help.
@@RosezanneMarcus thanks for your encouragement. Being part of community and embracing heritage is important. When my daughter was young we were part of Filipino association and she was Hawaiian dancer for years. But she never felt comfortable with the girls “chismis” too much and I think were jealous. She’s now in college and I hope her mental health is better. My son is better adjusted I think but he’s still too young
Love Joanna and Chip also. Two such sweet, sincere and inspiring souls. Look forward to reading her book.
Being bullied happens to everyone, everywhere, to every race..and it sucks.
I changed schools in second grade and moved to an area where Caucasian kids were in the minority. Swear to anything, I’m telling the truth, I was in the minority at my school and I’m white. And I was picked on, bullied for being white. I was tricked into giving away lunches for friends that didn’t actually want to be friends. Bullied for my clothes, my pale skin tone, that I only spoke English and I sounded “funny”. I would have from what I could tell mean things said to me in Spanish and Filipino. And it really hurt because I was so young and didn’t understand and just wanted to be friends. I ended up finding my way and making friends, but it took a long time and I was bullied up until my freshman year of high school. I’m 41 now, and I still feel how I felt in 2nd grade. It extremely damaging to be ridiculed and picked on and bullied for who you are, for what you are..it’s a devastating thing. The irony is that I actually moved from the Bay Area in California to a small town close to Stockton CA and I had a lot of friends of different races and never even knew what racism was until I moved. It was a rude awakening for a little girl who was also outcasted for the color of her skin.
* I’m sorry if my comments are offensive to other people. I don’t mean anything by it and I’m not trying to diminish what others have gone through. I just wanted to share my painful experience as a Caucasian kid. Idk…
I love Joanna, she’s a lovely person and it is sad to hear she went through bullying and lost that little girl for so long. I hope she can find her way back ❤
I have had similar experiences as a child and adult. At 48 I felt prejudice for the first time and I didn't even know what that was. While it might of been happening all along I really saw it for the first time! And it is still happening. It amazes me as I am 3rd generation here in the US. As I approach 60 and have been single for 15 yrs I find that as Joanna said people after they know me say they were afraid of me. 😮So I get that stoic presence. I just don't know how to change that, hence still single 😂 Gonna but the book now...thx for the opportunity to grow ❤
She is a real woman! God bless her!
I also resonate with Joanne! Same age and kids with similar ages- I agree, I love being 44 and having perspective!
Love Joanna. So sad that her classmates treated her that way as kids generally learn that from adults. We as a country need to get so much better at this!
Go loves us so much. No one is ment to be invisible. And being Diffrent is beautiful just like Joanna.
I think the biggest take away is really self introspection. So many human beings walk through life never reflecting on anything or ever changing and are walking robots of their wounded childhood selves.
I believe one has to be self aware before they are able to self introspect. Some people are more keen to it than others. Also a person's environment and culture plays a big role in how we view ourselves and those around us.
The Stories We Tell is a beautiful book, incredibly underrated
I love Joanna! Can’t wait to read this! ❤️
I can relate. It happened to me in 5th-8th grade. Definitely afterward, it was a metamorphosis for me! I am grateful to God for the full circle moments and "becoming" ❤️🙌🏽
I had a friend from Vietnam back in 1970 named Vivienne. Vivienne was living here in California with her Mom. Unfortunately, in 1971 her Mom died of cancer and Vivienne was being sent back home to her father in Vietnam. My family tried to adopt her so Vivienne could stay safe in the USA. Vivenne's Dad made her go home to Vietnam. I never heard from Vivienne again.
She slowed down by dealing with unresolved issues and writing a memoir. Lady is a force!
Yes, Jenna we all share experiences of not fitting in but how can we possible understand what internalizes racism feels like if we have never experienced it. It is my parents experience so when I hear her explaining it I feel like I understand my parents better.
Can relate in many ways, I was 10 when I moved to the US from Ukraine and that was not just a huge culture shock and years of homesickness, but also trying to fit in and yearning to feel like I belong and be confident. I’m only now at 40 learning the self worth and true confidence, just as Joanna did.
Absolutely love her, you can just tell that she is an awesome woman & mama. Loved watching fixer upper, I have always wanted to do the same thing!!! I can't wait to read her book!!!
This was a fantastic interview. There were moments when I was a bit welled up with tears.
Why did it feel like Ms. Bush was like talking over Ms. Gains to a point where I felt anxious!! Like I couldn't breath...🤯
She has moved beyond her difference, but she's honestly sharing the process of discovery and growth. Awesome!