Blog 2: Amy Tan

Yoon Saechow

Dawn Blunk

Transitional English

April 16, 2011

Blog 2: Amy Tan

“Fish Cheeks” is about a Chinese girl, Amy Tan, and her experience with a Caucasian boy and his family.  The Caucasian boy she had a crush on was coming over for Christmas Eve dinner with his family.  She was embarrassed because of their cultural differences, their Chinese Christmas Eve dinner and their table manners.  Though she didn’t understand at the time but this was all normal to her Chinese culture.  Later when she got older and over the boy, she realized through her mother’s teaching she be proud of her heritage and be proud of who she is.  I personally understand Amy Tan’s purpose for writing this article.  Growing up in a traditional Asian household, I have firsthand experience with the differences between Asian and American cultures.

            When I was younger and attending high school my mom used to drop me off at school and she would be playing Mien music very loudly.  During these moments I would sink down into my seat to hide from anyone I know who would be able to see me in the car.  Begging and pleading my mom to shut the music off or lower the music to the level of a dog whistle.  She would look at me and say, “No, I’m not shutting off or lowering the music.  Why are you embarrassed of who you are, do you even understand what the music is about?” All I could say was, “No” as soon as we stop and it was clear I would run out of the car, hoping no one heard the music or saw me come out of the car.  Later when I graduated, matured and understood more about individuality, I became more proud of who I am and my culture. Understanding that the music my mom was listening to was just music of love.