Dealing with multiple Identities

What’s really difficult about identity is finding it. For me, the American part of Asian American never dawned on me until I visited China. I was so different from everyone and felt very distant. I wondered if I was losing my culture. Once again, I look at “Fresh off the Boat” to see what they do. Jessica, a character, also felt like she and her family were losing their Chinese identity, so she immediately began forcing upon everyone Chinese traditions and disengages them with American culture. Ironically, it is Jessica who is the one to break when she wants to watch an episode of “Melrose Place”. However, she learns that it’s okay to like American things because being Chinese is inherent. We also see with her children that it’s okay not being strongly Chinese as long as they understand who they are. It’s okay to embrace multiple cultures. Social identity, then, is a blend of all cultures taken in. 

It’s even okay to note the not-so-good parts of a culture. “Fresh off the Boat” nods at David Sedaris’ article “Chicken Toenails, anyone?” when Jessica cooks chicken feet for her kids. However, they run away because chicken feet aren’t that great. Sedaris’ article deals with the aspects of China he really doesn’t like, mainly the weird food. I was never too crazy about the odd parts of animals that Chinese people eat either. Same goes for how I feel about certain parts of American culture. Nothing’s perfect.

As someone who was born and raised in America, I feel a strong connection with American culture. When I hear someone making fun of America, I feel like I was insulted as well. Likewise, when someone derides China, I’m also offended.  It’s all a part of me.