BLOG #2- AMY TAN'S "FISH CHEEKS"

In Amy Tan’s “Fish Cheeks” she describes her family experiences of cultural differences during a Christmas dinner when she was fourteen. Tan shares that she fell in love with the minister’s son and was deeply embarrassed when her parents invited the minister’s family to celebrate Christmas, Chinese style. Tan was afraid her Chinese customs would put her to shame in the eyes of the American boy she was so in love with, but in the end her mother taught her be proud of her heritage instead of having shame, just because she is different. I think Tan’s purpose in writing “Fish Cheeks” was to illustrate her experiences in feeling shame, being different because of her culture, and to teach the same lesson her mom taught her to others. The lesson was to not be ashamed because of our differences but to embrace them. Tan gained a valuable lesson in life, that she was fully able to understand more when she reached a mature age. Tan was able to look back at the Chinese Christmas dinner and appreciate her mother’s lesson and fully understand that, one doesn’t have to be ashamed because they are culturally different, but to embrace their differences. I, personally, understand Tan’s purpose because, I too have been ashamed of my cultural background in the past, and have learned from my past experiences in life.

The only time I’ve ever felt different or ashamed of my-self or culture was when I moved to Vacaville, California from Vallejo, California and had my first day as a freshman in high school. It was a hot summer day and I was hit by the heat, instead of the cool bay breeze. I was wearing a black sweater, pants and just a regular t-shirt, and all the other girls were all dressed up like they were going to a party. I felt ashamed that I didn’t have enough money to buy the nice cloths and have the nice sunglasses like everyone else did. When I lived in Vallejo everyone else was poor just like me, cloths and style didn’t matter. I also noticed that the girls were snobby and had no respect for others, I was raised the opposite of that. I wasn’t use to Vacaville’s high standards, proper learning, strict rules, and the rich snob attitude that filled the air. Most people would just start acting and dressing like everyone else, but that’s not me at all. I was completely out of place, but I adapted to my situation and stayed true to myself and who I was as a person. I learned that year, to always stay true my beliefs and never change who I am as a person to please others. My past experiences in dealing with cultural differences when I was in high school have taught me to be more open-minded, willing to learn about other cultures, and to always be true to myself, this lesson made me more mature and got me through high school successfully.