In the first place, it is clear that Helen Cheng, the mother, is more accessible to American culture and that she is ready to modify her way of life in order to fit in with American customs. This shows how the younger generation is more comfortable with their dual identity than the older generation was. However, the younger one likes her Chinese name because it is unique and different from most American names. This shows how important it is for him to keep his culture alive, even though he is living in America.įinally, when the two granddaughters are discussing their names, the older one says that she does not like her Chinese name because it is too difficult to pronounce. He is worried that she will not be able to maintain her Chinese identity if she marries someone from a different culture. Next, when the grandfather is talking to his wife about their daughter’s marriage, he expresses his concern that she will be marrying an American.

The difference in their responses highlights the fact that the older generation is more connected to their Chinese roots while the younger generation has adopted more American values. The older granddaughter says that she is “American” and the younger one replies that she is “Chinese-American”. The granddaughters are having a conversation about their heritage and the differences between their cultures. The following examples will illustrate the above statement.įirst, Gish Jen’s story is set in an Chinese restaurant. Second-generation Asian Americans, on the other hand, who are as in this case, the two granddaughters, have adopted American culture and are familiar with American thought processes. As a result, they made an enormous effort to preserve their culture at home and in their personal lives. For example, when Ralph Cheng is talking to his daughter about her schooling, he says “American school not good like before…You study hard, get good job, make money” (Jen 188).īased on this story, I conclude that first-generation Asian Americans had a hard time adjusting to American customs and traditions. In the story “In the American society”, Gish Jen uses language to create a sense of cultural clash. Her work often focuses on exploring the themes of identity and culture. The story is also successful in making the reader feel empathy for Ralph Cheng, as he is constantly trying to please everyone but himself.įirst and foremost, it is important to note that Gish Jen is a Chinese American writer. Gish Jen’s use of language allows the reader to experience the cultural clash that Ralph Cheng goes through. Ralph Cheng’s actions within his own society and in the American society are wonderfully recreated in the narration. The plot of the tale focuses on a daughter’s narrative about her first-generation immigrant father, who is tasked with keeping the balance between his own cultural beliefs and American culture. I was particularly taken with Gish Jen’s “In the American Society” from this week’s readings. Despite the hardships, Jen’s stories always offer a glimpse of hope, and show that even in the darkest of times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The story follows the family as they move from one city to another in search of work, and ultimately have to face the reality that they may not be able to make it in America.

Gish restaurant