American Born Chinese Character Analysis

American Born Chinese, written by Gene Luen Yang, is a graphic novel in which perpetuates around three separate stories within the graphic novel. Our main protagonists, Jin Wang, is a young American born Chinese who is struggling to find the “in” crowd at school. Jin Wang's first friend, Peter Garbinski, was not particularity an ideal friend to have as someone that is new to the school. He eventually befriends a Taiwanese boy named Wei-Chen Sun. They become friends through a common interest, toys. This soon paved the way of the graphic novel. Wei-Chen Sun is depicted as the model minority in this graphic novel. He resides with many stereotypes as well. Wei-Chen Sun is the personification of Asian-American stereotypes.
Wei-Chen's is seen as

It is obvious that he does not wish to lie for Jin Wang even though they are best friends. This idea of submissiveness is also another stereotype that Wei-Chen possesses. He plays the role as the obeying Asian boy throughout, except towards the end when he has had enough. Asian-Americans are also seen as a race that is willing to obey all authority figures and follow a linear plane. This ties in with the idea of emasculation. Because they are so emasculated, they are willing to follow any rules from a higher authority figure. Although, this is seen as something more cultural than anything else. Other Asians are grown up to learn the idea of respect towards any form of elders. They are to obey the orders at any circumstances. Much of this idea is lost in touch with American born Asians. The parenting plays a large role to whether or not they still follow these same traditions. But, since Wei-Chen is a F.O.B, he has to follow the rules. Except for when he is seen as lying to Jin Wang's mom. We are shown here that there is a little bit of rebellion here and sort of a precursor to what will happen to Wei-Chen later on in the story. Even though he lies for Jin Wang, he feels that he is obligated to go with Jin Wang's mother to go