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Review Of Eric Lius The Accidental Asian

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A review of Eric Lius', The Accidental Asian, and his search for self-discovery. Looking at how his experiences growing up relate to current and future generations of students who are trying to find where they belong in this ethnically structured society. Through Liu’s experiences, we can understand the struggle of identity and help students find their own. Finding that we do not have to have a strong connection to our heritage to have a strong identity and looking for our roots does not make us any less of the person we are now. Breaking stereotypes and understanding others is how we can help students in the future. Major cultural theme:
The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker, by Eric Liu is about trying to find out who you are. …show more content…

I have seen people get offended when you assume they can speak the language of their people, because they grew up in America, “their people” speak English. Others get hurt when you do not make an effort to understand their culture. We have to be mindful of this. The author mentions Jewish and Chinese private schools in the US (p. 155). It is possible that rather than having a nation where everyone eventually integrates, that we instead will have a nation where everyone wants to hold on to their heritage. I think the more likely is a mix of the two. I cannot guess how this will affect our students in the future, but I know we have to be open to any option. This may be harder for teachers who have a strong tie to their race. For example if you are an Asian teacher, it may be harder to watch Asian students act more “White.” I do not really know, seeing as I am still looking for my …show more content…

Trying to find yourself is a never-ending evolution and sometimes it takes us awhile to realize that is okay. For Eric Liu, finding the balance between being Chinese and White was a lifetime journey, and I think that in the end he realized that race was a figment of human creation. With everyone either ethnically mixed or culturally, I think many students can relate to Liu. This is a book I would recommend to students looking for themselves. Several times Liu points out how different he felt surrounded by Asians, Chinese, or White people. He did not fit into one category and I do not know anyone who

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