The article in question dwells upon the internal struggle of an Asian woman who could understand and appreciate her heritage only after years of struggle. The author starts with her account of her childhood. She spent her childhood years in a white neighborhood, but her father tended to make her learn about and respect Chinese culture. At the same time, parents were afraid that the girl would have difficulties speaking English and stopped speaking Chinese with her. Of course, she soon forgot the Chinese language. However, her father still wanted her to be a good Chinese girl. In other words, she had to be submissive and devote her life to her future (Chinese) husband.
The author notes that she learned to hate her heritage as she had quite difficult relationships with her father. She also developed certain hatred towards everything that pertained to the Chinese culture. She did not want to be associated with Asian people and was afraid to be discriminated against. Things changes when the girl moved to another province and started meeting new people and having new experiences. Then, she understood that she was a lesbian. Notably, her partners taught her to appreciate her heritage. In the end, the author confesses that she has finally come to terms with herself, and she is proud of being an Asian lesbian. At the same time, she adds that her struggle is far from being over as she still pays attention to people’s glances.
The article is very sincere and quite appealing. It tells a story of a woman who has to face numerous challenges (including her otherness). The woman is different in many ways, and she finds the strength to stand up to conventions. Her major drama, to my mind, is her rejection of her heritage. The first part of her life was full of this rejection. She hardly knew who she was, and, in my opinion, it was difficult for her to develop and find her place in society. It is quite difficult for me to understand (truly feel) the author’s feelings as I pertain to the majority. I believe all nations have many things to be proud of and share. I think people coming from different backgrounds should share their experiences and gems of their cultures. In that way, people will enrich each other’s cultures and will be able to develop. I (at least, I think) never give anybody racist glances. I can be curious and look at a company of people coming from another background. Now, I understand that my interest can be seen as racism and intolerance by some people. I will try to take into account that.
In conclusion, I would like to add that the author is a brave woman who found enough stamina to struggle against herself. She is becoming an empowered woman, as she knows who she is and where she is moving. She has the courage to admit that she is an Asian lesbian, and she has support. I believe this is what will make her life easier and more complete. The article is very valuable as it makes people understand the importance of their heritage. This is a reminder that without coming to terms with oneself, a person will be unable to find his/her place in society. Hence, it is important to understand oneself to be happy.