Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Fish cheeks: You Should Read It


“Fish Cheeks”, by Amy Tan, features a young girl who faces difficulties accepting her family’s ancient Chinese traditions and culture. It’s hard to grow accustom to two different cultures when the majority of the people practice one. So when this girl’s parents invite her crush’s family over for Christmas Eve dinner, she is embarrassed of what these people might think of her family. She feels that since these people are not familiar with her culture they might think otherwise. By this issue Tan demonstrates that even though being different is discomforting, it’s actually beneficial. Perhaps the main reason the girl lacks realization of this knowledge is because she is too young, and she is enwrapped with what her crush likes. This also can resemble that, people don’t realize how lucky they are until later. For example the girl states “ It wasn’t until many years later-long after I had gotten over my crush on Robert-that I was able to FULLY appreciate her lesson and the true purpose behind our particular menu” (lines 9-11 p.95).


Furthermore, Tan’s use of description creates a dominant impression of how the girl was ashamed of her family’s customs. It’s obvious to conclude why Amy focuses on food, after all the main reason the family is over is for dinner. Also, food is the essence of culture. Every culture has their own type of food, that no other shares. Which is why the girl is anxious over the thought of her family serving Chinese food in place of sweet potatoes and Turkey. Not only that but, also of how these two cultures will feast under one table together. For instance, she mentions of how her family is seen “licking the ends of their chopsticks and reaching across the table and dipping them into a dozen or so plates of food” (lines 5-6 p.95). The point is that family is embarrassing no matter what, regardless of what their nationality may be. It’s seems she was afraid that racial stereotyping may clog the judgment of these people. She might feel as if Chinese people are depicted in a bad way, based upon their practices. For example, her dad “leaned back and belched loudly, thanking her mother for her fine cooking” (lines 6-7 p.95). It would be odd for someone who has no knowledge of the particular custom. However, being open minded makes it easier to learn, and overall makes people a better person.


In addition to that statement, how can one be willing to accept someone who can’t even accept their self? This thought is the main reason why the mother went out of her way to prepare a traditional Chinese dinner. Eventually , the daughter comes to realize how ridiculous her attitude was. She states that for Christmas Eve that year her mother “ has chosen all her favorite foods” (line 12 p.95). She has learned to accept her family for what it is, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. I can say from experience that growing up around two different cultures is very fortunate. Living two lifestyles can give a broader image of life, one can experience certain events from both cultures that a person of one culture can’t.

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