A New World Not So Far Away There are a lot of differences between the
American and Chinese culture and values. Aspects such as philosophy, family
values, time management, individuality, and religion are just some modern
examples of the many differences between these two major industrial countries.
However, one does not have to come from China to experience just how different
and influential these cultures are. Throughout most of my childhood, I have been
predominantly exposed to nothing but the Chinese culture. When my parents first
immigrated to the United States from Canton, China, they rented a small
apartment located right in the heart of Chinatown. Chinatown was my home, the
place where I met all my friends, and the place where I’d thought I’d never
leave. I spoke only Cantonese, both to my friends and to my parents. I was
pretty much secluded from the outside world because I never left Chinatown, for
I felt this was my home. However, my parents felt differently. They wanted me to
adapt the “American” culture. By being more “Americanized”, they felt that life
would be better and that my sister and I would be more accepted. For that
reason, my family and I made the big move to the Sunset District ten years ago.
A big move my parents hoped would be a quick assimilation into the mainstream –
the “American” culture- an assimilation that would ultimately change my values
and my perceptions of my cultural background.
When I moved from Chinatown to the Sunset District, I was completely
amazed at how different it was compared to Chinatown. There was considerably
less traffic and noise on the streets than in Chinatown. I remember, I would
have to push my way to get through streets when I was in Chinatown. Another
difference that I noticed was that all the children on my block were Caucasian,
whereas in Chinatown I associated with predominantly Asian.. My home in
Chinatown was an old Victorian apartment with a ceiling that was at least 15
feet high. I used to string my toy plane from the ceiling and let it fly circles
propelled by a mini-fan attached to the back of the plane. It was a thrill to
see the plane fly enormous circles. An old radiator located in the living room
heated the apartment every winter. On cold winter nights, our family would
gather inside that one warm room, since it was the only heated room, and just
sit there with our blankets doing our daily chores and studies. My new home is
quite modern, has central heating, and a much lower ceiling. This place was
definitely different. How would I fit in? When I arrived at my new home, I was
quickly plunged into the “process of assimilation.” My parents enrolled me into
St. Anne’s, a Catholic school that consisted mostly of Caucasian. Although I am
a quick learner, it was especially hard for me because I had to learn English. I
did whatever I could to blend in. I bought cafeteria food and ate American
lunches like bologna sandwiches and peanut butter and jelly. Most of my friends
were Caucasian, and I joined clubs associated with Caucasians. I tried hard to
fit in so that I would be accepted. I did whatever my friends did. I begged my
parents to buy me trendy clothing and designer labels.
