Though there is still probably some discrimination toward Asians in America, it seems to be much more subtle than it used to be. Today people may name call or make derogatory comments about them but generally they seem to be accepted and have meshed into American society well. Many Asian Americans do well financially and enjoy the freedoms and opportunities they have found in America.
I learned a lot about Asian Americans from the quiz. I really was ignorant as to how the people were regarded in America. I guess I had never really thought about it. It was hard to hear how little they were valued and that they were put in the same catagory as lepers, prostitutes, and morons. Hopefully Americans learned from this experience and it will never happen again with any race.
The question that interested me was the one about the sentence imposed on the two white men who killed the Chinese American, Vincent Chin. It is unbelievable that in 1982, they could get away with such a light sentence. That's scary-it wasn't that long ago. I did find it interesting that the Chinese Americans called for justice and human rights while even in present day China, human rights aren't valued very highly in some places.
Bound Feet
I had heard of the custom of binding feet but was not aware of how completely confining it was. It reminded me of the expression used in America to "keep their wives barefoot and pregnant" only in the Chinese culture it was to keep them bound and confined. What a horribly sad life it must have been.
David Ho Arrives in America
I can truly understand the different world David Ho was referring to when he came to America. I have been to China twice and even now the two countries seem worlds apart in the same ways, bicycles everywhere, open markets everywhere. It was truly a culture shock. Young people seem to adjust to change much easier than older folks.
Women in Chinatown
Immigrants to America must have come with such hope and promise. To hear that there was anything but hope in their lives, especially the women, was disturbing. It's hard to believe America was at the place it was and how it treated these people. To detain these women because of easily curable diseases and keeping them from their children was nothing less than cruel.
***************************************************************************
Memorable Characters
Monkey King
The Monkey King is a gentle but firm ruler who was honored by his subjects. Though he was a ruler in his kingdom he didn't fit in with the immortal gods in heaven. They wouldn't accept him because of his being a monkey. He became embarrassed and then angry at this rejection. His self esteem took a nose dive and he began to not like who he was. He went from a great ruler to a self loathing monkey. I would be his friend. I think all of us have a need to fit in no matter our rank in society. We all have most likely felt the pain of rejection to some degree.I certainly have at times in my life and have wished I could be different than I was. I do like the character development because it is very real.
Jin Wang
Jin Wang has just moved to a new school in America from San Francisco where he is the only Asian. He was made fun of by some of the bullies there and felt left out because of who he was. When another Asian boy moved into the school he at first didn't want to be friends with him. He pretended to be friends with those who had made fun of him. When he discovered that he had something in common with the new boy, they did become friends. Jin seems very shy and unsure of himself.He does seem to be beginning to accept who he is more. I am looking forward to how his character develops. I would be his friend but would want him to become more self confident.
Chin Kee
Chin Kee is just a little too obnoxious for me. He is visiting his cousin from China and doesn't seem to have any regard for his or anyone else's feelings. He just says and does what he feels like. No filter on what he says at all.I can't relate to this character but certainly know people like him. I don't think I would choose to be his friend. On the up side, he does seem to enjoy being who he is and that can be a positive thing. He does have a big time! I do hope the author tones him down just a bit.
*************************************************************************
Two Voice Poem
Jin Wang I just want to fit in. I can’t figure out who I am. I just want to be an All American Boy. I don’t like being different. How can I change so I’ll be like everyone else? Maybe now things will work out for me. Maybe. | Monkey King I deserve to fit in. I used to know who I am. I was a king! I want to be a god. I’ve earned it. I don’t like being rejected. I’ll show everyone that I am the greatest. Maybe things will work out. |
