The United States of America prides itself on its label as one of the most diverse countries in the world. Citizenship is granted to new generations of immigrants every year. However, a label of racism also stains the reputation of America. History books document civil rights issues that date back to the founding of the original thirteen colonies when slavery was still prevalent. Today, civil rights issues spread across multiple minority groups not exclusive to race. The range includes the LGBT members, those suffering from AIDS, and African Americans that are targeted by police brutality. This essay will focus on the hardships on Asian Americans in particular and the pressure to assimilate into Western civilization. Two examples that present …show more content…
The main character Sumita experiences identity crisis between her true Indian heritage and assimilating into American culture. The clothes symbolize the separate cultures that divide her identity. The traditional Indian clothes, the sari, mark her cultural heritage and as a result, they hinder her process of becoming an American and living an American life. On the other hand, she wear American clothes in spite of her Indian heritage to fit comfortably into American culture. The conclusion of the story indicates assimilation as the most positive outcome for the main character. “In the mirror a woman holds my gaze, her eyes apprehensive yet steady. She wears a blouse and skirt the color of almonds” (Divakaruni, 7). The final line validates her official decision to assimilate and leave behind her original identity. Yet, she still recognizes her innate Indian heritage through the old clothes she puts away, but never disposes. This signifies that her identity in the street in different to the one she sees in the mirror. Regardless, it is determined that a better life is led by unfolding a new life in …show more content…
In the second chapter, the story depicts an Asian American student named Jin struggling to make friends in a predominately white school. His identity as an Asian American blocked him from acceptance. In one instance, the other children would bully him and call him names, “Hey, I Chink it’s getting a little nippy out here” (Yang, 96). This is significant as it portrays the difficulties Jin experiences as a member of a minority group and a subject of racial insults. This desire to be accepted manifests itself in his dream and he wakes up with his appearance transformed into a white American with blonde hair. His changed identity represents a metaphor for Jin, now Danny, becoming Americanized. Assimilation consequently allows Danny to experience improvements in his life upon joining the racial majority. Indications of acceptance in his life as Danny is indicated by his attention from jocks and a relationship with a blonde girl. By juxtaposing the life the identities of Jin and Danny, it is apparent that Danny lives a life of an American that is accepted, thus proving assimilation as a positive step for Asian Americans and their eventual acceptance. First generation Asian Americans that assimilated into American culture can relate to Danny. They live in an America that has accepted them after naturalizing and acting like a white