The generation gap between Leila and her parental figures, Mah and Leon, exemplify the differences between Chinese-American and modern American culture. Mah and Leon are hard working, Mah more than Leon, making enough to keep the family stable. They are not looking for careers but rather jobs that pay. They don't have a background to build a professional career. Leila and her boyfriend/fiance Mason are specific in what they want to do with their lives in terms of work. Leila is very satisfied in her steady job with the school. Its a lot of work but she seems to enjoy it a lot. Mason works specifically on foreign vehicles, attempting to secure a stable job doing what he enjoys. The focus on jobs differs, the Chinese-Americans are driven by money mainly in there new country willing to take what comes their way where as the new generation has the opportunity to be driven by a certain desired career route.
Leila has however inherited many of her mother's qualities. Her mother constantly stresses about money, Leon, and the family. Lelia has found ways to relax (sex & drugs for example) rather than constantly stressing like her mother. She still has many concerns for her family though. When Mah goes to Hong Kong with Nina for vacation, Lelia still worries. Mason has tells her "Don't worry...You worry too much" (93). Through this examination of career paths is shows that the generational gap includes a new ideology adapted by the new generation but Leila's characteristics also show that one cannot be completely free of old ways.
I also find it interesting that Leila has to use various ways to stay relaxed. It seems as though Leon is very carefree despite some of the difficulties that he has had to face but he doesn't use drugs or other stress releavers to stay relaxed. I think that Leila's drug use and openness to having premarital sex also shows the differences amongst the generations and further shows how different she is from her parents.
ReplyDelete