Introduction
In the article “Eat Turkey, Become American,” author Marie Myung-Ok Lee shares her personal experience as the child of Korean immigrants in America, expressing her family’s commitment to assimilate into American culture fully. The author claims that Thanksgiving, a distinctively American tradition, was used by her family as a symbol of their commitment to America and their identity as Americans, rather than Koreans or Korean-Americans.
The Author’s Claim
Lee relies on her family’s unique history and events to back up what she is saying. She talks about how her parents, even though they lived through hard times during World War II and the Japanese occupation of Korea, decided to fully adopt American culture and customs, especially Thanksgiving (M. M. Lee, 2014). Additionally, she discusses their decision not to mention their Korean history and their firm embrace of American identity, which shaped her perspective on her heritage (M. M. Lee, 2014).
The Author’s Target Audience
The intended readers for this piece encompass immigrants, offspring of immigrants, and individuals keen on grasping the immigrant journey in the United States. Lee’s thorough narratives of her family’s past, their challenges with immigration, and their dedication to their American identity enable her to establish a personal connection with her audience.
Personal Evaluation of the Author’s Claim
When I assess what the author is saying, it’s pretty strong and has good support. Lee’s personal stories prove her family’s commitment to American culture and identity. They keep celebrating Thanksgiving, even without any Korean customs, to show their American identity (M. M. Lee, 2014). However, the article also talks about the difficulties of this choice, revealing that they lose their connection to their Korean heritage.
Conclusion
To sum up, Lee’s article gives us a heartfelt look into her family’s life as immigrants in America. She makes a solid case that her family used Thanksgiving to show they’re American, and her personal experiences and family history back this up. But it also makes us think about the pros and cons of fitting into a new culture.
Reference
Lee, M. M. (2014). Eat Turkey, become American. Opinionator. Web.