More than Meets the Eye

         In “American Born Chinese” Yang conveys through Jin the hardships of growing up in America as an Asian descendent. I personally thought that it was easy to relate to Jin’s character, and although he may not have been true to his culture, I don’t believe Jin should be faulted. Jin was simply attempting to create an identity for himself in which other American’s would accept. In that way, It’s easy to relate to Jin. Everyone struggles to fit in with society, to be accepted, to lead a normal life. In this case it seems particularly hard for Jin due to the fact that he is one of the few of his heritage where he and his family reside (only three in which I recall). If anyone is to fault, I believe it would be other Americans presented in the graphic novel. It was their preconceived ideas, notions, and stereotypes that caused Jin and other Asian Americans to feel as though they were outcasts.

         I thought the use of transformers was interesting while reading the graphic novel. Especially in the fact that Yang used a transformer (a monkey that is able to transform into a humanoid) as a reminder for the Monkey King’s eldest son (Wei-Chen), of who he really is, and of what he will always be- a monkey “Take this with you. It‘s a human child‘s toy that transforms from a monkey to humanoid form. Let it remind you of who you are“ (p.217). On the other hand, Yang makes use of the transformer in Jin’s case to foreshadow events to come, as well as depict Jin’s need to fit in with American society. Jin seems to love transformers for being able to hide who they really are, and seemingly fit in. Also, in this particular scene, the old women’s response to what Jin wanted to be when he grew up piqued my curiosity “It’s easy to become anything you wish… so long as you’re willing to forfeit your soul” (p. 27). I believe Yang uses this quote to convey the idea that Jin could become like a transformer, and fit in with American society. But, in order to do so, Jin would have to cut his ties to his own culture or “forfeit his soul”.
         Yang’s use of Chin-Kee in the graphic novel was interesting as well. Through Chin-Kee, Yang conveyed a plethora of negative Asian stereotypes (the very same stereotypes that caused Jin to be embarrassed of his culture, and choose to transform his identity into a more acceptable one to American society). From Chin-Kee’s name (Chink, a racial slur) to his speech “Harro Amellica” and even the Ricky Martin song he sings referencing pop culture (American Idol’s William Hung), Chin-Kee is comprised solely of negative racial stereotypes of the Asian culture. However, once again, I can’t stress enough on how I feel that Jin should not be faulted for his actions. Even the Monkey King (a deity, who is supposed to be free of human vices) felt ostracized upon returning from the God’s dinner party and smelling the monkey fur smell “He stayed awake for the rest of the night thinking of ways to get rid of it” (p. 20). Even the Monkey King longs to fit in, and attempted to change an aspect of himself to do so.
         I thought “American Born Chinese” was a great read. What did you think? Did you like Jin? Were you angry with him? Do you feel as though he should be faulted for his actions?

Here’s a video a found a Youtube that I thought was interesting. They interview Yang on there for a little as well as show some of the comic panels in color. :)

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Hi, how are you? I'm Brie. Here are a few things about me in an easy to read list format:
-I play video games (a lot), my gamertag is Shiro Fish. Xbox 360 FTW
-I also play guitar in a band called b00m! headshot.
-I work at a video game store.
-I don't eat meat, or fish, or chicken. In simple terms I'm a vegetarian.