People stereotype to generalize certain groups; however, these
generalizations tend to be negative. As a result, many minority groups struggle
to accept their identity, since these hurtful stereotypes make them feel
inferior. Throughout American Born
Chinese, Gene Luen Yang both visually and verbally stereotypes characters
to reveal the negative effects caused by society's racist attitudes.
The author conveys these stereotypes through blatant racist comments
made by students. For example, when Jin Wang transfers to his new school, one
student claims his “Momma says Chinese people eat dogs” (Yang, 31). Similarly,
Jin’s classmates call him “Bucktooth,” in reference to the Asian buck teeth
stereotype. Both remarks make Jin feel inferior, which causes him to distance
himself from his Asian roots. Likewise, he refuses to associate with other
Asian students, as he claims to “have enough friends” when Wei-Chen tries to
befriend him (Yang, 38). Since Jin seeks approval from his peers, he represses
his Asian identity to improve his reputation.
Similarly, Asian-American students experience discrimination
from teachers. On the first day of class, the teacher pronounces Jin Wang’s
name as “Jing Jang” (Yang, 30). The teacher also assumes Jin originates from
China, even though he moves from San Francisco. These comments reveal the
assumptions made by out-groups, as people tend to generalize social groups. However,
Wang challenges these assumptions, since neither prove true in the novel. Regardless,
both comments make Jin feel inferior to his peers.
Furthermore, the juxtaposition of Danny and Jin’s character
reveals the importance of race in society. Although the same person represents
both characters, students treat them differently based on their race. When Jin embodies
an Asian-American, his peers question him for pursuing a relationship with an
American girl. For example, one student claims he “doesn’t know if [Jin’s]
right for her,” which implies Jin is unworthy because of his race (Yang, 180). However,
nobody questions Danny for dating an all-American girl, since he’s white. These differences seem irrational, as the same character represents both Jin and Danny. Still, people perceive them differently because of their race.
Overall, Yang incorporates Asian-American stereotypes in his
novel to reveal the negative consequences of racism. Similarly, he demonstrates the irrationality of stereotypes, as they are often false.
Yang bases his novel on Asian-American stereotypes to convey the insecurities and hardship faced by the minority. As a Korean who has lived in the U.S. for 13 years, I have seen and personality experienced some of these discrimination. However, while many of the stereotypes are false and over exaggerated in the novel, Yang stresses the importance of self-confidence regardless of external hardship.
ReplyDeleteThe protagonist, Jin Wang, is the victim of stereotypes at the beginning of the novel. He is made fun of for eating dumplings, accused for “eating dogs”, and insulted as “bucktooth” (31-33). While these external struggles influence Jin to become insecure, Jin acts as his biggest hurdle. Even after his transformation as Danny, his insecurity forces him to miss his chance with Melanie, only to blame Chin-Kee for the rejection. However, Melanie clearly states that “this has nothing to do with him” and Danny’s insecurity actually worsens the rejection when Melanie says, “I never noticed, but your teeth kind of buck out a little” (123-124). Once again, the insecurity is what causes Jin, in his Asian body, to give up on Amelia, even though she told Wei-Chen that “she actually had a lot of fun [on her date with Jin]” (175). Internally, he feels that he is not good enough for Amelia because of his race.
Life is going to throw many hurdles and difficulties at everyone, regardless of race or gender, but how one responses to the challenges and show resilience will determine the outcome.