The Roots of Tradition
In the drawing below the tree shows its roots deeply underground, the same way that culture and tradition are incorporated in Vietnamese culture. The green of the leaves is meant to be young and vibrant helping the reader to remember that the 1.5 and 2 generations live in different times and eras, whereas the roots are left colorless because they are meant to represent the fact that the older generations do not stray from tradition. Andrew Lam has shown us how deeply roots the Vietnamese culture is to their traditions. No race likes to dishonor their families, however this is a trait that is often times portrayed in families of Asian descent than in any other race. This being said, homosexuality is not socially accepted in many cultures yet. Up until recently, there we no words that could be used to directly translate the word gay from English to Vietnamese. Knowing this why is it that Ethan's parents do not accept the fact that he is gay? They love and accept him the same way most parents love their children, yet they refuse to acknowledge the fact that their son is gay, going to such extremes like speaking in code when referring to his sexuality? Is it because of their tradition, and is their tradition the very same thing that hinders them from accepting the fact that Ethan is gay and happy?
Ethan is experiencing what most gay Americans experienced 20 to 30 years ago. A abhoration of someone who is queer. Initially, most religious sects denounced it as gods hatred towards people who are LGBT, then someone came along and did a psychological study on people who consider themselves queer. Incrementally, society reflected those changes in acceptance of people who considered themselves gay or lesbian, as for those who are bisexual or transgender that question is still out there for people to decide. As someone of color, gay, Mexican Jewish German Indigenous and American, my parents weren't dancing in the streets or embracing the fact that I consider myself gay. I still introduce myself as a gay latino male because that doesn't define who I really am. Being gay is a small part of who I am as an individual, being Hispanic and associating myself to a family that has slowing come around to my acceptance of being considered a gay brown male from Mexico was difficult for them to accept because I didn't fit into their notion of a stereotype. And nor do I fit into a a stereotype of what white Americans perceive what a gay Latino male should look like. I think, its difficult to force one's family to accept something they know very little of and want very little associate with. It'll take time, and that's what Ethan is doing. Allowing his parents to come around. its not easy for any involved, all he can do is wait. - Xavier P.
ReplyDelete