"Fish Cheeks" Amy Tan (p110-111)
This article was a short story about a girl being raised by a family who took much pride in their Chinese culture, living in America. She speaks of embarrassment when her family had invited an American family over for Christmas eve. She had a crush on the boy of the family that was invited, and was nervous of the difference between their Chinese tradition and the American tradition. Amy speaks at the end of her story about the valuable lesson her mother had taught her. Although it wasn't for many years down the road that she understood the meaning of understanding and knowing her cultural background. She is now thankful for having experienced such an event, now able to take pride in her family's background.
"Superman and Me" Sherman Alexie (p582-585)
This article was a short story about a Indian boy who was raised to believe that his people were less than those not of the same culture. He tells of his fathers love for reading, and his love for his father, being his inspiration. His father always bringing home books, leaving stacks of books scattered throughout the house, and finally building bookshelves. This led him to wanting to be just like his father, picking up his fathers books and pretending to read, even when he didn't know how. Teaching himself to read at the age of three, by reading pictures, assuming that the words were just narrating them. He pushes himself to learn more and more through reading. Resulting to him growing into not only a writer, but a man wanting to share his love for knowledge, and inspiration to become great with other children on Indian reservations.
I have chosen to write about Amy Tan's "Fish Cheeks". Although I cannot really relate, I am Filipino born and raised in America by my American family. So much of me wishes that I will one day learn my heritage, and the background of my culture.
Rachel
Kim
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