American Born Chinese Identity

As people grow up in a world full of standards to live up to, they might begin to lose themselves throughout the journey. For example, an individual may adjust their identity to reach the ideal life that every person dreams to aspire. We are never happy with who we are and what we have, we always want more; however, people are dismissing the conception of acceptance. In the book, “American Born Chinese” written by Gene Luen Yang, the American religious experience is accepting yourself. Once a person does this, their true identity is released. We must learn to be true to ourselves and accept where we have come from. This could be difficult for some, given the stereotypes that are constantly being tossed around. For instance, ‘My momma says Chinese people eat dogs” (Yang 31). When people are always categorized differently than others, identity maybe be difficult to find. Throughout this fun, eye-opening piece, Yang reveals a life lesson on finding one’s balance and making wise decisions on the journey of accepting oneself.
In this graphic novel, appearance plays a great deal for the …show more content…
Jin is doing everything in his power to appear more American than Chinese. While the Monkey King is also adjusting his ways so he is not seen as “The Other” in a world of Gods and Goddesses. In the end, they both realize they can not run away from what they truly are. For example, The Monkey King says, “...I would have saved myself from five hundred years’ imprisonment beneath a mountain of rock had I only realized how good it is to be a monkey” (Yang 223). Once these characters were able to accept themselves, things became more clear to them. We must see the beauty in the culture we bring, but most importantly, the beauty within yourself. Individuals are the strongest when they learn to accept who they are and where they have come