Hi, I would like an opinion from you guys!
Sorry, English is not my first language. I'll try to explain as clearly as possible.
My friend (m) and I (f) are both of Korean descent, but both grew up outside of Korea, in a mostly 'white' country. My friend is adopted so did not have an (emotional, physical) connection to Korea until now. He had an interest in Japan before and then slowly became interested in Korea as well now. In the past I also found that he talked much more about Japan than Korea, maybe identifiy more with that culture than Korean culture.
The other day he sent me a photo he found on the internet of a japanese girl wearing a kimono and said to me "You would also look pretty in a kimono".
Honestly I felt quite offended. I did not understand why he suggested for me to wear another culture's clothes. It is BOTH NOT our culture. I dont know if he was in a 'position' to suggest that to me.
And worse....Korea and Japan has a history of war until only a few decades ago. The last war only happened about 70 years ago and my Korean family still has to deal with the consequences of it. And until this day there is still political conflict between Korea and Japan. I found it quite insensitive to suggest for me by another Korean/White (well, Non-japanese) to wear a Kimono.