October 31, 2016 - 15:03
There are several passages that I found to be interesting throughout the novel.
1. "I remember her whispering to her pea vines as they curled their way up her trellises: “Gambatte ne, tané-chan!” “Be strong, my little seedling!” People drove for miles to see her Oriental ornamentals and Asian creepers. Their massy inflorescence burst into bloom in the spring and stayed that way throughout summer and deep into the fall. It was truly exotic." p.5
2. "When you told it to Momoko, she looked at you like you were nuts.
“But, Mom, it’s Japanese. It’s Zen.”
“Stupid. Make no sense.”
“It’s not supposed to make sense. It’s supposed to help you reach enlightenment.”
“Never heard of it. Anyway, why you need enlighten when you got good Methodist church to go to?"" p. 20-21
3. "He reached up, traced the slant of your eye with his thumb, told you he had a thing for—" p. 21
How identity is shaped is in part, determined based on where and with who people grow up with. For Yumi's family, growing up in a place where there is a severe lack of diversity sparks a greater impact on her when she is describing what is happening around her. Her mother speaks in Japanese to herself, retaining what bit of culture and tradition she has. The use of the word 'exotic' and otherization of Asian aspects through the use of mysticism places a severe divide between American and Asian cultures. The lack of understanding in their community places Momoko and her culture in a strange location, where she is viewed as an 'exotic' person simply because she is different from the rest of them. This later follows with Yumi's experience growing up in her small town. From people being unable to pronouce her name to her role as a princess simply because she looks different from the rest, her environment begins to shape who she is.