The Void In Roy Choi's Life

The Void in Roy Choi’s Life Growing up as an Asian-American in the United States, especially in the city with a big character within itself, Los Angeles, there is always that game of tug-o-war between two cultures. In Roy Choi’s autobiography and cookbook, L.A. Son , he talks about growing up in Southern California as a Korean-American. He takes the readers on a ride along memory lane as he talks about his experiences growing up as a Korean-American in Los Angeles, where he ended up, how he got there, and the struggles he faced filling the void in his heart. His parents’ American Dream, their Korean-American identity, and the fact that he is a child of immigrants are all contributing factors to Choi’s feelings of emptiness. Choi’s void in his heart came from not knowing where he belongs and his purpose in life growing up. From the beginning of Choi’s life, he was already in a place of uncertainty. Choi’s parents, themselves, have faced obstacles trying to find where they belong. “Life was tough, though. Money wasn’t flowing… then there was the indignity of it all; if he was given a decent position, how can he work for the guy he used to boss around?” (11). This description of Roy’s parents, right …show more content…
It is common in many children of immigrants to feel lost in the country they grow up in. Strictly having to practice a new culture and his roots is a great set of weights on Roy’s chest. He had to live up to the image he was drawn for, “the perfect Asian son” along with finding himself and who and what he identifies as. His parents have been there to pull him back up to surface when he has sunken within his own failures, however, all of the pressure that was predetermined for him has carved the void in his heart and progressed as he grew