OPTION B:
Consider gender and class background and write an essay in which you compare and contrast the stories written by Pardee Lowe and Jade Snow Wong. It is not required but do feel free to do outside research into their lives and include that where relevant to your discussion. Be sure to include a citation page if you do research.

Examine issues of accommodation and assimilation to mainstream American culture

You might want to reflect on how the historical times in which they came of age influenced their experiences

Consider differences and/or similarities in their attitudes towards --parents --traditional Chinese culture --Education --American values

Matthew Munet

Pardee and Jade; Similar Yet Different
Family and class backgrounds have a major influence on the way humans create our perceptions and beliefs. I for one come from a Hispanic middle class family. My beliefs may have some similarities to other middle class Hispanics but may be completely opposite compared to a female who comes from a wealthy Hispanic family. This can be seen if we compare Pardee Lowe and Jade Snow Wong. These two prominent Asian American authors depict The Chinese authors Pardee Lowe and Jade Snow Wong display how assimilation differ with social class, gender, and ethnic background through their stories Nisei Daughter and Father and Glorious Descendent. There experiences defy the many anti-Asian prejudice that was established upon the Chinese people during that time.
Coming from an Americanized home and wealthy family Pardee Lowe epitomized the ideal situation of growing up as a Chinese child. His father being a wealthy merchant differentiated from a typical Chinese kid growing up in American society. In addition, having an Americanized dad relieved Pardee of the many contrasting cultures that other Chinese kids such as Jade Snow Wong had to deal with. In “Father Dons His Pigtail And Takes A Bride,” one can see the way in which Pardee's father rejects Chinese tradition even in the most necessary of times. He finally accepts the fact that he will not marry unless he puts on his queue indicating a preference on American values over Chinese culture. The internal conflict Pardee's father deals with reflects on his child greatly. Pardee is able to grasp American ideals easily without opposition from his father who actually encourages his Americanization. The dream of becoming president indicates a sense of the ideal American dream; with a little sweat and perseverance you can overcome and obtain anything. Pardee's assimilation into American culture differed greatly from Jade Snow Wong in the sense that Pardee obtained the Americanization that Jade Snow Wong so desperately searched for. Jade Snow's attitude toward her Chinese traditions changed as her perceptions on American ideologies grew stronger and more affluent in her life. Accepting American teachings in school and separating from traditional Chinese beliefs created conflict between father and daughter that wasn't seen as much in Pardee and his father. Pardee seemed to accept American perceptions at a young age which may have been easier for him to assimilate into American culture. Jade on the other hand lived her young life under the submissive behavior required by Chinese customs. Realizing that this wasn't the only option, it was much more difficult for her to break away from Chinese tradition. Chinese culture ultimately mattered less to both Pardee and Jade the moment American perceptions seemed to capture their attention.
Despite ethnic background the concept of sex and gender differentiated greatly between Pardee and Jade. Jade throughout her childhood was dynamic in the sense that her attitude and perception of American ideals changed over time. Being a housemaid epitomized the typical Chinese woman obeying what she is told. The gender restrictions on women in general, let alone a Chinese woman, left women to uphold the standpoint of being the submissive and obedient wife or daughter. By defying these stereotypes in Nisei Daughter Jade ultimately revealed a feminist attitude that was much needed in American society at the time. She realized that obedience was not the reason why she existed and felt as though self determination via education and schooling was her ultimate “American” purpose. Her defiance of Chinese customs revealed an independence in her not common, in fact restricted, in Chinese traditions. On the other hand, Pardee, being a Chinese son in a way came with more perks than a Chinese daughter. As the first son, Pardee, as expected by any first Chinese son, was to uphold the family name. Jade in “A Person As Well As A Female” understands the meaning of working hard. Unable to receive college money Jade's education ultimately lead her to the American perception that her parents don't have control over her, for she is a grown and independent woman. Becoming president in a sense was something only males at the time could dream about. Political power was unbeknownst to women at the time yet even for Pardee who was a man, a Chinese man, didn't know that he becoming president was impossible. This absurd idea as indicated by his father did not come across to Pardee at all for the American dream was so much established inside his head. The gender differences displayed by both Pardee and Jade ultimately displayed there connection to American ideals and separation from Chinese customs.
Ethnic backgrounds and gender differences, as displayed all over the world, whether Chinese or American can constitute many different perceptions on where they come from and who they are. The stories of both Pardee Lowe and Jade Snow Wong are living and breathing examples of gender differences that cause contrasting events in both males and females. In addition, being both Chinese did not necessarily mean similar attitudes toward Chinese customs. Jade, with a more feminist attitude, separated from her customs and latched onto American ideals which ultimately lead to her success in school and independence. Pardee did not receive much of the typical Asian tiger parent, in fact grew up wealthy and Americanized. This allowed for easier assimilation into American perceptions. Both authors displayed similar goals to Americanize themselves but did so in completely different ways, each with their own Americanization.