For Asian Americans, there is often the question of whether there’s a sort of Promised Land, where there is less racism and more happiness. Frequently, Canada is suggested as such a place. Filip and Chris, who were both born and raised in Canada, discuss the good and bad of life in the True North strong and free.

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The following are edited excerpts from “Is Canada the Promised Land?”, the 23rd episode of Plan A’s podcast, Escape From Plan A.

In high school in Vancouver, I remember [the increase of Asian students] causing some tension because at that point, the Asian population becomes big enough to actually shape the culture around us. For example, my high school had a set of traditions. We were really into football, like American football…. I remember a lot of the white kids starting to grumble once the population was getting noticeably Asian…. If [the Asian students] decided not to show up to a football game, it would have a noticeable impact.

— Chris

Some of [the embarrassment of being Asian] became pathological. There’s a station on the subway line in Toronto called Spadina. That’s where Chinatown is. And it got to the point where I realized that when I was getting off the subway at Spadina, I felt embarrassed. Because I felt that people on the train, who were white, were judging me because I was getting off at Chinatown and I was Chinese-looking.

— Filip