FISH CHEEKS

If acceptance is achieved through similarity, then is the road to acceptance worth getting lost on?  A person’s individuality is what makes them who they are, but what about those who aren’t happy with who they are? Amy Tan’s essay “Fish Cheeks” explains the difficulty of  fitting in and forgetting who we are. The main question is: “Is fitting in worth it?” In the constant attempt to become someone who fit in, Tan forgot who she was. Her struggle to westernize herself and her family blinded her to the traditions, foods, festivities, and components that made her who she actually was. Was fitting in really worth it? If she had a “new slim American nose,” and worn a miniskirt, would Robert really have appreciated her more; and if he did appreciate her more for that, then what would compel her to believe the loss of those accessories would not have an effect on his outlook of her. Is fitting in really worth losing yourself?
I however am extremely proud of my culture. For example, I easily ignore the constant thrashing that other people say about Indian food. In fact I try to let my friends try Indian food and make them realize its not so bad after all!

Butter Chicken  :) :)