Immigrating to the United States, childhood experiences gave rise to feelings of self-loathing and cultural contempt. The individual struggled with their Chinese heritage, desiring assimilation into mainstream American culture. They faced cultural ridicule, leading to embarrassment over their customs and language. As English became their primary mode of communication, they distancing themselves from their family, fearing societal perception. Despite efforts to adapt, they remained perceived as foreigners, while their parents worked tirelessly in low-wage jobs without healthcare or vacation. This background contributed to a complex identity struggle.
"I hated being different, speaking differently, and having customs and traditions that differed from those of mainstream America. In Hong Kong, we were part of the Chinese majority. But this all changed when my parents decided to move the family to America when I was a toddler."
"I was embarrassed and ashamed of our heritage. I winced when they spoke the language in public. I wanted nothing to do with them in any setting, public or private."
"To ease the perceived tension, I did my best to respond in perfect English, thinking that by doing so, everyone would view me as a legitimate American. But it didn't matter if I could speak English without an accent, as I looked like a foreigner and was viewed as one."
"My parents worked endless hours at Chinese restaurants. Dad was a cook, and Mom was a waitress. They had no paid vacation or health care."
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