Growing Up Asian In Australia Analysis

Growing Up Asian in Australia – Essay

‘Growing Up Asian in Australia’ is a book, edited by Alice Pung, which is composed of short stories, poems and interviews written by people of Asian backgrounds. The authors within this book present a combination of stories which do and don't support the contention that ‘despite the hardships that the writers’ experience, they still manage to celebrate the benefits of living in two cultures’. These differing sets of experiences are discussed through contrasting personal entries that talk of the ups and downs that the writers’ face during their journeys, along with similar issues of identity and belonging.

Some stories in this book talk of how the writers’ only experience happiness of living in two cultures after they begin to accept their own for what it is. ‘Chinese Dancing, …show more content…
James’ story gives an insight into what it is like being from another culture, yet trying to celebrate what it is to be Australian. He says “I was proud to be a part of this heritage and to pay respect to the soldiers who had served their country in the most difficult of circumstances” however “I felt at times, though, that because of my heritage and the colour of my skin, I was not allowed to be part of the Anzac tradition, which to many people defines what it is to be australian.” Despite his doubts, he still went on to play the bagpipes and lead his school in the Anzac Day march, after which he was ridiculed on the media for not being “true blue” -and was used as a means of sparking patriotism and racism amongst the audience. When he talks of the ordeal he says “I was confused and a little hurt. I wasn't sure what it (true blue) meant but I remember a lonely feeling of exclusion”. Regardless of what James was subject to after the incident, he still holds great pride in this country and it's culture, and is honoured to be able to be apart of