Assimilation is necessary to be part of the dominant culture, although one doesn’t have to completely lose their cultural roots. In Amy Tan’s Fish Cheeks. she struggles with her cultural differences where she begins to develop feelings for an American boy. She becomes ashamed of who she is, she wants “to be the same as American girls on the outside” (7) Tan wants to change to become more American so that she doesn’t seem so Chinese to the minister’s son, that is why she felt ashamed when her family was showing very heavy Chinese manners. Although she later realizes that “ inside [she] must always be Chinese. Must be proud [she is] different” (7). With the help of her mother Tan comes to terms that she didn’t have to lose her culture or to