When I first heard that American Like Me was a compilation of BIPOCs’ stories, I knew this was the book I wanted to read because I have always been interested in hearing others’ experiences. American Like Me illustrates the challenges and issues BIPOC face in their daily life. This includes issues surrounding assimilation, how others view them, and their relationship with their parents or grandparents. There are many intriguing anecdotes in this book, but one of the most interesting stories for me is Anna Akana’s.
Anna Akana was raised in the Japanese and Filipino cultures. She explained the drastic difference between her parents’ priorities, but also the things they agreed on. Her dad was very disciplined and organized while her mom was more artistic, but they both wanted their kids to be great at whatever they pursued. I love how she defines her upbringing as the “perfect balance” that allowed her to pursue her passions. From her story, I have also seen how her mom views the Filipino culture as “too crass and low-class.” Unfortunately, some people view their own culture in this manner. I have also heard of others who have a similar mindset because of the extreme poverty in the Philippines. On the other hand, there are people like Geena Rocero. She is grateful to have grown up in the Filipino culture where she was embraced for her identity. This just shows how drastically different every person’s story is.
I enjoyed reading this book because I was able to relate to some stories and also learn about others’ experiences. People in America come from all over and have different cultures. Although people have different experiences, this book shows every reader that they are not alone in their struggles. This book touches on the question of “What it means to be American?” Everyone will have a different answer. But I would argue that being American is whatever you want it to be. We should embrace every aspect of who we are — where we come from, our culture, and our identity.
Hi Kelly, I think you did a great job summarizing the key points of this book as well as your own thoughts on the topic. I think it's very interesting how, as you said, "What it means to be American" is a very subjective question. This question elicits a whole host of different answers.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite unfortunate that there are still people nowadays who view Asian culture as primitive because of lifestyle differences. I liked how you summarized the key points of the book. I think being American also means respecting and embracing the decisions of others.
ReplyDeleteI also read American Like Me and had a similar reaction to the stories told. Although I do not specifically remember Anna Akana's story, I was able to relate to many others like Joy Cho. I liked how you answered the overarching question of being American. I talked about how American culture has no one set structure, but rather are a culmination of so many different cultures.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, super interesting response here. I did not read this book but now I am eager to get my hands on it. "What does it mean to be American?" is an incredibly important question. I think it's more than the legal definition of citizenship, but it shouldn't be all that much more. The higher the barrier to "entry", the harder it will be for Americans of all backgrounds to remain united.
ReplyDeleteHello Kelly,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting book post. There's no cultures that are more superior or inferior than any other cultures, and I agree with you that it is very shallow to judge a culture by the economic status of its origin, especially when these countries have been exploited and suffered from war and colonialism. I also relate to your comment on American identities. Although I've heard skeptical comments on American freedom from different people, I still think America is one of the few places in the world that tolerate a decent amount of differences. If I didn't move to America, I don't think I would ever live this comfortably because of my sexuality.
Hi Kelly, I loved understanding your motives behind choosing this as your book, especially since I didn't make the same effort in comparing our options. Being 'American' is such a complicated topic nowadays with natural-born citizens condemning the title but then immigrants are still working hard to come here; it is an interesting paradox. As someone whose family has never maintained any part of a traditional culture, I find it incredible seeing what other people believe and share as a part of their daily lives. This book sounds very genuine by your account.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate you sharing these insights with us, I found them to be fascinating. You make such a poignant point when you say that people from the same country can experience and view their own country in completely different ways, I feel see that in my life in America all the time. There are things I greatly dislike about America that other American may value, it's all about perspective.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really cool how you found similar experiences to relate to other people you know! It is always fun to read what others have to say, and what their life has been like. I have been seeing great things about this book and I definitely want to check it out!
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