Your Mayan?!? That’s So Exotic!

I couldn’t post a piece about race without saying a few words about MY race.

So you all may or may not know that my last name is “Chan.” And although I used to love educating people, I’ve grown very tired of having to explain over and over and over again the origin of my last name, especially after moving to a new institution.

My last name is actually Mayan. “Chan” means serpent in Yucatec Maya. My entire family is from the Yucatan Peninsula and most of them are 100% indigenous. It is verrry comforting to know my exact heritage because it is something that is unique to very few people.

However, being Mayan sometimes means different things to different people. While some people may also embrace it, others may take a different path. The most annoying is when people call me “exotic.” Many of you may have seen the CNN article I posted on FB a while back commenting on the new “exotic” trend. It was describing women as flocking to surgery rooms to get the “curves” often associated with exotic-looking women. Basically, they were saying “exotic” is the new it thing.

I was so annoyed by this article because it reminded me of how much I hate it when people label me “exotic.” I absolutely despise it. Exotic is the name we give things that are imported or unusual, and for crying out loud I am not either! Exotic is what we call reptiles and colorful plants or animals. Exotic is the name we give to THINGS not people, so for the love of baby giraffes, don’t put us in the same category!

So now, don't be surprised when a fierce Latina named Dr. Chan, enters your exam room. ;-)