They are All American...LIKE ME! (Book 1 Post 1)

So relatable.

Seen. I just feel seen, which is the best way I could describe my reading of American Like Me by America Ferrera. 

I chose to read American Like Me because the synopsis resonated with me the most when reading the descriptions of all the assigned readings. Also, it is quite possible that I suffered from personal bias as I rewatched the Barbie movie a few days before we were assigned this blog.

So far, I have read through a little over half of it, which puts me in the perfect place to write the first out of two articles. Now I am not saying that I have the Hindu revelation story of Padma Lakshmi or share Bambadjan Bamba's New York experience. However, coming from a background of being raised in an immigrant household, I share a lot of similar qualities of these stars' upbringings. In fact, here is a compiled list of similarities that I share with each story I have read so far:

America Ferrera

• "Where are [your parents] ACTUALLY from?"
• The American Dream and not being "sensible" about my career/education path
• Being proud to represent and be represented

Reshma Saujani

• Being asked ignorant questions in is vaguely racist
• Sticking with my given name and correcting pronunciation of my last name/cultural name

Al Madrigal

• Raised as frugal and loving a deal (that somewhat stems into family history, socio-economic trauma, etc.)
• Bartering with street vendors
• Continuing the deal-seaking mindset in the capitalist society of America

Jenny Zhang

• The rationale of not ordering a beverage at restaurants
• The family obsession of Sizzler growing up
• Understanding of Chinese history and how that could affect parents' viewpoints
• Bringing Chinese food to school and other student's reactions

Bambadjan Bamba

• Being paired up with someone due to you being "similar"
• Having that "friend" end up betraying you
• The soul-searching for your own culture that you thought you hated but ended up loving it

Padma Lakshmi

• Being exposed to many different religions (I personally have been given the chance to experience Christianity, Catholicism, and Buddhism)
• The joy of celebrating your culture with your loved ones

Randall Park

• Interviewing parents to collect their stories and being so surprised by it
• The materialistic and practical love displayed in family (rather than emotional and affirmation statements like I love you)
• The struggles of having parents of an older generation

Roxane Gay

• Living with multiple identities
• Starting to understand the odd ways that family show love...
• ...and trying your best to be content with it

Almost there! Half-way through and if you are getting tired, just skim through it and read the conclusion at the end. 

Carmen Perez

• Using slang with parents and getting chastised for it
• Feeling invigorated in a diverse team

Issa Rae

To be honest, this might be the story that I least identify with but still really enjoyed reading it. I was able to take in so much more insight on Ramadan and the Black experience.

Diane Guerrero

• Relating to stories of others even if they don't look like me
• However, also making it a big deal when you do see yourself represented

Joy Cho

• Thai Americans represent!
• Wanting to be "American" SO bad and having a regretful period where you wanted your family to be "normal"
• Realizing the wonderful cultural community wealth that I received from my upbringing

Liza Koshy

• Raised in an environment where it was diverse and I didn't receive immense racist backlash
• Wanting a party like everyone else growing up

Kumail Nanjiani

• Understanding that the American Dream is based on the freedom of choice
• Being proud of what I stand for and having high morals

Michelle Kwan

• Having parents who have made big sacrifices to give you a better life
• Cantonese Americans rise up!

Wow I know. That was A LOT and I'm proud of you for reading all the way through (if you just skimmed it, that's okay too). But it really does go to show how impactful this book was to me as I truly saw myself being represented. So many stories, yet I can picture myself in almost all of them, in one way or another. The stories were short enough to where it was easily digestible, but did not skip out on any important details that limited its visualization. The book so far feels like an endless course of snacks or even better, a revolving sushi bar! They just keep coming and are small serving sizes, but each one is a little bit different and my taste buds keep wanting more.

I will keep you all updated as I continue reading all of these fascinating stories.