My sister was miffed when my Tai Gu, Dad’s eldest sister made the following comments on my 3 month old nephew, Daniel.
Soh soh geh. Mm hiao gan yin geh. Mat gai yin du oi eh.
Translated, that means, “Silly baby. Cannot discern strange faces from familiar ones. Likes everyone, stranger or family alike.”
Though socially inappropirate, that remark is an apt reflection of how shy and introverted Asian babies (and children) are, in general. My kids, though born and bred in Australia, are no different.
Caucasian children are amazingly social.
Their babies smile, coo and gurgle happily to strange but friendly faces and no one would even bat an eyelid.
In Australia, I have on several occasions have had little children, whom I’ve met only for the first time, take me by the hand and lead me to their rooms so they could proudly show off their treasures to me. Totally spontaneous and unprompted.
Tonight, at dinner in Cafe Primo, I was reminded of this when suddenly a little head popped up next to me while we were seated and dining. I looked down and saw this little imp with cheeky, twinkling eyes and a big friendly grin. I said hi. He stretched out his hand and pointed his little finger at Christopher and said,
I know this boy. He goes to my school. (Then he pointed at Alexander) I know this boy too. He also goes to my school. I have seen him three times and (looking at Christopher) I have seen him once.
We smiled at each other, highly amused. Then I introduced the family to him and he talked a bit about himself. He is from the Family Unit’s Reception level at Rose Park Primary. That means he must be about 5 years old.
Whereabouts on the chromosomes is this social gene, so prevalent in the Caucasian gene pool? 
Gina said,
January 19, 2006 at 3:36 pm
I don’t know, because I didn’t get it.
amateurish said,
February 19, 2006 at 4:30 am
I would just second your thoughts on Asian children. I was adopted as an infant from Korea. My family is caucasian but I used to cry is any men talked to me. I think it was their deep voices. Even up until I was a toddler, I used to cry until I would throw up when some strangers spoke to me. My mom carried around a tupperware container for me to throw up into when we would get me shoes. Throughout my life I have seen many asian traits in myself despite an “American” upbringing. The balance between nature and nurture I suppose.
Tinkerbell said,
February 19, 2006 at 11:03 am
Gina, you may not have had it, but you sure look like you do now
Amateurish, your comment really cracked me up
Yes, there are definitely some cultural traits there, and this is certainly one of them.