Girl In Translation Essay

Throughout Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok, the main character, Kimberly Chang, has a struggle to either assimilate or acculturate to American culture. The novel displays the benefits of both assimilation and acculturation. Kim is often bullied at school by her classmates and teacher in the beginning of the book because of her inability to speak complete english such as on pages 25-27, in which Mr. Bogart accused her of copying off another student just because she didn't understand the directions. which brings up the question, Should Kimberly completely disregard her heritage and assimilate into American society, hoping that she will fit in? In another passage, To Assimilate or to Acculturate, the author Jay patel goes through a similar
Although it is important to understand the language and culture you live in, it is not necessary in order to succeed. From this book i took away the impression that Chinese culture forced people at a young age to understand that in order to succeed you must educate yourself, much like most of America. I also realized that culture is what you make of it and it is impossible to define American culture because every individual is different and their culture can and is considered to be American culture.Such and Kim’s culture and Mine. My Dad in many ways accomplished the American dream according to Kimberly because he got a full education and is able to make enough money to support his family. As Kimberly this success is the root of the American Dream some would say finding love and family is. Within the pursuit happiness the most important part to me is the “pursuit” and the drive to success and love. The final product is what makes a person happy, what makes a person happy is the hard work that person put into finding happiness. When KImberly leaves her baby’s father, she choses success over love and in my opinion she chooses correctly because her choice will always be correct because she has the freedom to do what she thinks will make her the