![]() It demeaned her and in turn triggered something in me that I’ve long buried deep inside. I remember people talking down to my mother as if she didn’t belong. But there was always pain in these interactions. My earliest memories are with her, out in the world among friends and strangers. He reflects on his memories and recalls times when he witnessed his mother being mistreated and demeaned. Recently, the increase of violence against Asians has provoked Melton to reconcile with his past and reexamine his roots. However, he didn’t share the same sentiments towards his Korean heritage. With an Army soldier for a father, he always felt proud to be an American citizen. Being born to a white father and a Korean mother, Melton wrestled with his identity as he was often told he was both not “white enough” or “Asian enough.” He shared that, growing up, he tried to suppress his Asian identity. I want to uplift the AAPI experience through storytelling, caring, understanding, and kindness that I can share with the world.In a personal essay for Variety, Korean American actor Charles Melton, known for his role as Reggie Mantle in Riverdale, expressed his thoughts amidst the increase of Anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States. I want to reconcile my identity and come to terms with who I am, despite the pain. "I want to tell inclusive, representative stories. ![]() "I do know that I want to use media and entertainment as advocacy," Melton concluded. RELATED: Frank Miller Shares a Message Condemning Asian Hate Crimes I intend to do the work in learning my own place." He wrapped up the essay by promising to no longer be complicit, adding, "While I’m still trying to figure out how to merge my past and my present, I know the first step is to acknowledge that the problem exists. And now I can’t help but wonder what I did to contribute to the violence against Asian Americans." The actor also admitted to "willfully the racism and microaggressions directed towards me and my people," noting, "I failed to defend my heritage in fear of retribution. ![]() RELATED: Chloe Bennet, Simu Liu and More Decry Surge in Asian American Hate Crimes Following Deadly Shooting "I’ve realized that I never stood up for my Korean heritage." "With the continued rise in horrific hate crimes towards my community, I have been in deep introspection by recalling my own experiences, unpacking my past, and trying to understand it all," Melton added. Melton also discussed the multiple instances of racism he experienced growing up, which included his friends' comments about his "house smelling funny" because of his mother's cooking and making anti-Asian jokes at school in order to beat his classmates to the punch. I remember people talking down to my mother as if she didn’t belong." "With that, I’ve been thinking a lot about my mother. ![]() "Over these past few months, I’ve reexamined my roots," he said. The Riverdale actor ( Reggie Mantle) wrote that he was born in Alaska to a white father and Korean mother. RELATED: Riverdale's Latest Twist Is Straight Out of The X-Files ![]()
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