Pico Iyer's Where Worlds Collide

Each person has their own unique culmination of experiences that make up their life. These experiences are the knowledge basis for one’s perceptions and therefore, affects how they interact with others and the world in numerous ways. A person’s background influences the way they view their own capabilities, future, and education as well as how they perceive other cultures. As a result, one’s cultural background and experiences predominantly affects how they view the world. A person’s past experiences affects how they see a certain place or culture. The essay “Where Worlds Collide” by Pico Iyer is an example of people leaving their homeland and coming to Los Angeles because of the ideas they have developed based on stereotypes they have learned.

For instance, in the novel excerpt “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan, there are multiple examples of how one’s previous experiences shape and alter their perception of their abilities and talents. The character Waverly becomes known as “‘Chinatown’s Littlest Chinese Chess Champion” due to her success in numerous chess competitions, and from these previous accomplishments becomes arrogant and pretentious (Tan, 21). This attitude and self reflection can be seen in her statement “you aren’t a genius like me,” implying not only that she thinks highly of her intelligence but she believes her intelligence is greater than her peers (Tan, 23). Without her past success and acclaim from those around her she would not have the confidence and ego she does. In opposition to Waverly, the character Jing-Mei has experienced repeated rejection and failure in her attempt to become a prodigy and finally comes to the decision that“I could only be me,” and any attempt at developing new skills or talents was futile (Tan, 24). So, it is because of her past experiences of continuous defeat that she bases her perception of her self worth and capabilities. While in some cases, one may respond in the complete opposition of Jing-Mei, continuing to persevere in spite of their failures, they still draw on the previous experiences they’ve had, utilizing them as an inspiration or a learning