✩ asian diaspora and why i like modelling ✩

Why yes I do like modelling
I originally planned to talk about why I like my job and the positive factors of the industry, but I got a bit sidetracked lol

Asian diaspora is something that's very close to my heart and a topic that my friends and I have constantly discussed between ourselves for years. I think many of us have underlying, unresolved feelings - be it positive or negative - regarding our childhood and parents despite it not being a popular topic in mainstream media.

I hope it doesn't seem like I'm "airing out my (family's) laundry" or so by posting this; I just wish to share with my fellow first gens and Asians that your hardship and feelings are perfectly valid as personally, I felt that a lot of my teenage years were full of undirected anger.

Let me know if there's anything else model or culturally related that you want me to talk about!

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Here are ways in which you can donate to support the Asian community:

Welcome to Chinatown
Offering probono resources to Manhattan, Chinatown small businesses while considering how their goods and services can benefit the broader Chinatown community

Providing an online platform to low-tech, cash-only, Asian-owned small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19

Heart of Dinner
To fight food insecurity and isolation experienced by Asian American seniors while supporting local small businesses during their COVID-related recovery process

Red Canary Song
The only grassroots Chinese massage parlor worker coalition

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
To protect and promote the civil rights of Asian Americans

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#model #ferntube #fernandaly
✩ Instagram: @warukatta
Please contact my agencies in regards to model work

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✩ Music:

*** As YouTube has unfortunately discontinued community contributions, here is the script for anyone still willing to do subs for other languages. If you replace the English text with your language and email me the file, I'll be more than happy to upload it for everyone to see. Thank you for your helpful contributions until now!

[mandyw.]

It's very brave of you to be open about your own childhood experience. Emotional talk makes me weak too, but that's because those issues are very near and dear to your own heart. Crying is a part of it, so don't feel ashamed for it. I love your talk about being an Asian diaspora and hope that you do more of those. Being one myself it's refreshing to hear shared issues.

[tairaaaO]

Yes! I grew up in Australia in a very 'aus' neighbourhood. My mum came from the Phillipines and even went to tafe to learn English to help her get a job. Growing up I felt so out of place due to racism towards myself and my mum. I read your article you did for David Jones years ago about how Australia doesn't use enough Australian born Asian models and I completely agree. I hate how Aus uses the minority groups as a 'token' model, never as the focal point when there is so many communities built upon other cultures. Sorry to get so deep but I completely resonate with how you feel and you are a HUGE inspiration for first gen Asian Australians. <3

[MegaJAK]

I think layers is a good way to describe yourself. This was a deeper layer and I hope you don't beat yourself up for being so honest and vulnerable. It's weird to have liked someone I see in a fashion magazine and now to learn about you and your interests and your you for telling another part of your story.

[moirai]

im not a model but i felt ur pain.. especially when you talked about how your parents are unable to communicate their feelings, but at the same time they're trying their best to be good..

:') same girl, same.. writing does feel easier. you can wallow in silence while pouring everything out at the same time.

[Sasha-itvy]

Today i'm relating with onions 😌😌😌

[melonhanami]

I had similar struggles growing up, and I feel like the "onion" effect is the best way to describe how that kind of environment molds our personalities. I know how hard it must be to make this video, let alone talk about these things in general with that upbringing. I'm so proud of you and happy that you've been working on yourself. You are a huge inspiration and I wish you all the best!!

[nitehaus]

Wow, I was expecting this to be much more lighthearted after your "Modelling is Hard" video, but I am so impressed with what you did here. Thank you for being so vulnerable and allowing us to see you as a whole person. Love you!

[ginnayyyy]

tyy for being vulnerable and sharing your story
i'm also 1st gen and have also developed many mental health issues due to mental health stigma in the asian population (and like you mentioned....just parents not having the ability to talk about FEELINGS lol) i'm trying to process and let go multitude years of resentment...built up anger, etc..
you are so humble and you deserve all the success and praise! common traits that i see in people that have been through so much struggle and hardship is the development of empathy, compassion, and resiliency.

[HigurashiMeow]

Would be interesting for you to interact with Soo Joo Park. She studied Architecture in university too. The both of you are my favorite models - intelligent, cool and persistent. (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

Thank you Fernanda for taking the courage and graciousness to open up some parts of your life to us.

[danachiueh]

Fernanda! I think you would love the poem "Valentine" by Carol Ann Duffy -
"I give you an onion.
It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light
like the careful undressing of love...."

[CeCe]

It’s refreshing and very comforting to hear other stories of the Asian diaspora. Even though I’m Asian American, it’s crazy and honestly very sad to hear similar experiences from Asian Australians and other immigrant Asians. I too experience a lot of anxiety, have a very difficult time being open and vulnerable with my emotions, and I cry ALL THE TIME. I’m still trying to figure out all the “layers” of my personality and who I really am, and the one thing I’ve learned is to push myself out of my comfort zone and gain more independence.

[myraaar]

😭 I totally get the Asian diaspora you're talking about. Thank you for sharing about your mental health and your story about your family. You should definitely be so proud of yourself and I enjoy these vids you're making!!

[twentyfivecents]

this was very brave of you to share your story. Your feelings are very relatable (I saw the list of issues and I have every one of them-). Growing up wasn’t a cake walk for me either and oftentimes the most hardworking people who are just trying to provide for their family - are the most overlooked, and disrespected citizens of their country. I hope that your career lasts even longer and that you stay prosperous. 💕🙏🏽

[kaitan]

Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing your Asian Aussie experiences growing up. I totally relate. We have so much to share with the world of our migrant experiences which we are seeing more and more now.

Do you also do any acting? You got a great look and your heart really shines through in your stories.

[miraaa]

I got so emotional watching this as I can relate so much, but as a non-asian minority. thank you for sharing this and opening up to us! always loved the fashion-related content you share, and, now came across this topic - your channel and what you do is amazing.

[TalkingCheeseBurgerr]

You almost made me cry seeing that...there are certain things you want express but you hold back and I understood it. I understood why...I could feel the shame you feel expressing such vulnerable emotions. Its extremely tough to open up about a tough childhood especially to so many strangers on the internet but I don't think you should feel bad or ashamed because there are people, like me, who knows almost exactly how you feel. Much love and I hope we can both find our way to a healing point.

[julia]

when u mentioned meeting asian friends i remember you and yuka 😔💖 (you two are one of my fav models) its nice and brave of you to share your experiences and feelings about asian diaspora and modelling knowing that you might touch upon sensitive and personal topics aaa thank you for this video i love u 🌷

[thatblueguy_]

Hey I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story. You a huge inspiration for all us 1st Gen Aussie out there.

[yanglu]

I love ur style. Loads of love from China.😻

[janni]

I think lots of people with immigrant parents can relate to the fact that most of our parents are very traditional and close minded so much so that asking for help or even needing help with your mental state in the first place is considered wrong and is always just ignored. Lots of people including myself have gotten used to their parents saying “you shouldn’t be feeling anything” and “you should be grateful for all you have because I gave everything up for you”. As a kid you’re not allowed to feel anything out of the “norm” because it’s immediately considered “bad” and all of a sudden having feelings and mental struggles makes you “crazy.” It’s so sad how something so normal can be frowned upon so much. There is definitely a stigma around depression anxiety and most mental illnesses especially when you come from different cultures and struggle being understood. No one has a completely perfect life everyone goes through rough patches. Being able to get out of a bad place is always going to be a struggle even if others have bigger problems than you, your problems are always going to be important. I’m so glad you were able to over come the obstacles in-front of you and are in a better place in your life now I know you will help inspire many people to find themselves and they’re happiness.