Traditional Chinese characters

conflicts between tradition and modernity. These problems exist in every corner of the world, and especially in China, where “the mainstream of [its] traditional culture has always emphasized collective consciousness, as seen in sayings like, if you want to prosper, you should first help others prosper.” (Chongi 153) This traditional way of thought of Chinese culture is distinctively different from modern ways of thought, which mostly emphasizes independence and individual success in one’s life.…

Chinese Dining Etiquette and Customs It is no grand surprise that when two cultures converge together, there are bound to be differences. It is strange to imagine another being embarrassed by their own culture. In the short story, Fish Cheeks, by Amy Tan, she starts out the plot with a very powerful sentence: “For Christmas I prayed for this blond-haired boy, Robert, and a slim new American nose” (Tan 1). This line launches the foundation of her piece by explaining that not only does she long…

growth. Our society perpetuates these stereotypes through television, movies, advertisements, and even books. We, as a society, must diminish these stereotypes by effectively challenging their substance. American Born Chinese effectively challenges…

The traditional hero’s journey begins with a calling, the hero is drawn to certain circumstances in which they must decide whether or not to accept the quest. However, the feminine journey differs, instead the protagonist determines there is something about their life that must change, and only they themselves, through their own free will, can resolve it. Characters such as Alba, Fa Mulan/ Kingston, and Rahel take the challenge to tackle their deepest psychological issues while simultaneously…

one’s ethnic or cultural orientation, its connection with Chinese American literature has not received the critical attention it deserves. However, with the introduction of Jade Snow Wong's representation of food in her search for identity in Fifth Chinese Daughter, it is hoped that new insights will be found like how food binds her family ties, and how it stimulates her quest for identity. This chapter explores the authenticity of Chinese American identity through the exploration of the…

Anna May Wong, considered to be the first Chinese-American movie star, was very influential in the rise of Asian-American prominence in film. She was born as her chinese name Wong Liu Tsong, meaning ‘frosted yellow willow’, and told those around her, “I represent one considerable spot of yellow that’s come to stay in the silver of the screen” (Corliss 2, “Anna May Wong: In Her Own Words”). Through her work, Wong has helped to normalize the image of Asian Americans on screen, and proved the…

When discussing the topic of politeness in Chinese culture it is important to address the concept of Confucianism and the role that it played in forming what Chinese culture is today. Confucianism can be defined as a way of life that was first established by Confucius in the 6th–5th century BCE. Confucianism is a western term used to describe the set of values propagated by Confucius himself, this set of rules and values have been the foundations of Chinese society for over two millennia; this…

As the Chinese made their way for America most of their intentions were to make money in order to send money to their families back in China. For men from China, they would make their journey across the Pacific Ocean and start their work while searching for a woman to make a prosperous family. Women in China would hope for a man to need a wife in America by way of an arranged marriage rather than being in China where they would not have as bright of futures. If an arranged marriage was set up…

Chinese Acrobats I chose to do my reflection on my experience seeing the Chinese Acrobats. The Chinese acrobats performed at the World Theater at California State University Monterey Bay. The acrobats were from Peoples Republic of China, and used their skills to engage the audience through talented gymnastics, dance, and martial arts. Each distinctive and special talent offered a very unique outlook of the Chinese culture. The Peoples Republic of China’s culture is very important to their…

be found in everyone, even the characters from Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel American Born Chinese. Yang takes the reader through three different stories that all aim to show the importance of being true to yourself. Two of the main characters, Monkey King and Jin, attempt to assimilate into the societies that they live in, which results in the characters losing who they truly are, until they are finally willing to embrace their true selves. While another character, Chin-kee, resists the…