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Research
Paper on From The Book Typical American by
Gish Jen
Gish Jen a novelist and short
story writer writes in his book Typical American, a story of
three young Chinese immigrants who, after moving to America,
gradually adopt new living style and undergo an interesting
transformation process. The author describes the cultural
diversity and ethnic identity of Chinese American lads, who are
shown in the novel as main characters, adopting foreign culture,
foreign language and foreign life style. The story is about
Yifeng who comes to America to become an engineer and return to
china. Yifeng gradually changes his name and becomes Ralph
Chang. His sister Theresa also joins him along with Yifeng’s
beautiful wife Helen. The novel is indeed an American story
described in an irresistible heartrending and funny manner.
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Changes experienced in Chinese immigrants
The characters experience major changes in their lives, when the
main character decides to change his name, which depicted the
changes in his mental outlook and desire of looking like
Americans. His living style, wearing of clothes, gait and
manners too undergo changes in an unassuming manner. The desire
of becoming rich by the Chinese was primarily because they
wanted to fully absorb in American society without having
financial constraints. When they made money in fast food, bought
a house in the suburbs of New York and undertook number of
excursions, it reflected of their seriousness to mould into new
culture.
What was retained?
The Chinese are originally Asian, with the deep imprints of
Asian culture and the psychological problems related to
closeness of their society. Theresa, sister of Yifeng remained
typical of a Chinese girl, very different to normal American
girls. She was sensitive, caring and shy of doing many acts
which American women, would have done very conveniently, other
immigrants too, could never become confident like common
American. Trio of young Chinese immigrants although slowly
transformed into American style but still could not break
psychological barriers.
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How to keep ethnic identity?
It is a million dollar question that how to keep one’s ethnic
identity and still become an American. America is an open
society, it does not warrant, foreign immigrants to give up
their national and ethnic identity and completely transform into
American society. Once, there is no pressure from the host, why
should any immigrant feel the need to change his original
believes, culture and language. The environments within house
can be kept as original as possible. The dresses, customs and
following of tradition within foreigner’s respective community
can be kept intact by strictly adhering to rules of motherland.
One can become American by loving America like Americans do.
Rules, regulations and laws of the land be followed strictly,
code of conduct at respective workplaces be followed and
struggle to one’s best abilities to develop America, are
essential ingredients of becoming American. The great country
doesn’t want the immigrants to change their ethnic identities
but wants them to become American in spirit not in appearance.
Works Cited
Gish, Jen, Typical American, Houghton Mifflin, 1991.
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