While taking notes as I read “The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl” by Elizabeth Wong (found on page 30) I couldn’t help but notice that I can totally relate to her situation as a child. Elizabeth was really not much different from any other average elementary/middle school student. Besides the fact that she came from a Chinese heritage, Elizabeth and her brother were growing up in an American school with American peers. Although she was growing up learning more and more of the American culture, Elizabeth’s parents still believed that the Chinese culture was extremely important to learn. Learning Chinese felt like such a nuisance in Elizabeth’s life only because her parents would pull her out of the “normal” childhood life. Instead of hanging out with friends after school she went to Chinese school with no exceptions. Now you’re wondering “How the heck could your life relate in any way to Elizabeth Wong’s?” Let me explain.
In sixth and seventh grade, every Saturday morning I went to my church for about two hours for Confirmation class. My family raised me going to a Lutheran church, and once I got to the right age there was no option but to attend this class. I remember leaving sleepovers early and missing out on other fun stuff just to go to this class, and when I had no say in the matter I began to care less and less of the reason why my family wanted me to go through this. Now that I am older I realize why my family would want me to learn about our religion and history of it. Yes, this is religion and not exactly the same as a whole culture but isn’t it the same for just about anything when you’re at a young age?
When you’re young and rebellious the first thing on your mind is normally what you want to do with your friends, and the last people to listen to are our family. We know that our individual families’ just want the best for us, but it’s difficult to keep that in mind when you spend every day with friends in class, observing peers, and comparing yourself with others and their lifestyles. Elizabeth Wong couldn’t help but compare her family’s culture to the American culture that she’s growing up in, but once she grows up and understands more she will better understand the importance of her individuality and her own culture.
In sixth and seventh grade, every Saturday morning I went to my church for about two hours for Confirmation class. My family raised me going to a Lutheran church, and once I got to the right age there was no option but to attend this class. I remember leaving sleepovers early and missing out on other fun stuff just to go to this class, and when I had no say in the matter I began to care less and less of the reason why my family wanted me to go through this. Now that I am older I realize why my family would want me to learn about our religion and history of it. Yes, this is religion and not exactly the same as a whole culture but isn’t it the same for just about anything when you’re at a young age?
When you’re young and rebellious the first thing on your mind is normally what you want to do with your friends, and the last people to listen to are our family. We know that our individual families’ just want the best for us, but it’s difficult to keep that in mind when you spend every day with friends in class, observing peers, and comparing yourself with others and their lifestyles. Elizabeth Wong couldn’t help but compare her family’s culture to the American culture that she’s growing up in, but once she grows up and understands more she will better understand the importance of her individuality and her own culture.
I never really looked at this story from this angle. Maybe the reason why she didn't like her heritage was only because the Chinese schooling took away from what she wanted to do. If I was forced to do something, I would probably not like that activity, even if it could be interesting.
ReplyDeleteExactly!!! Now that I'm really not forced to attend church anymore, I actually attend more than I ever have. It's fun, because it's my choice.
ReplyDeleteWow, the way that you relate to this story helps me to see a different point of view to this story. When i read it i was thinking more about how the mom was too pushy and the young girl just wanted to be all around American. I can see how a young kid would want to be a part of what all the other kids are doing and not oof by herself. I wonder if the reaction from her would be different if she was a teenager.
ReplyDeleteI never even thought about this story like this. You made me take a whole new perspective on this story. I can relate with religion just like you. When I was little I was always forced to go to church too and I never understood why but now that I'm older I can understand why my parents would want me to get a taste of our religion and now I respect that they let me make my own decision on whether I choose to go or not. The young girl, I'm sure, will respect her mother's ways when she gets older just like I do now.
ReplyDeleteVery good.
ReplyDelete