I asked him about what it was like growing up as a Korean…
““I asked him about what it was like growing up as a Korean American in northern New Jersey in the 1970s and 1980s. “It was embarrassing,” he said, shielding his face with his hands. He recalls that a large part of the shame came from the food. “One time when I was in third grade, my mom packed jja jang myun”—noodles with black bean sauce—“and kkakdugi”—pickled radish—“and put it in a thermos. My teacher made me dump it because the kids were all like, “‘Who farted?’” So I had to tie it up in a plastic bag and take it outside. I was the only Asian American in my school at the time.” I””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Growing up as a Korean American in 1970s‑80s New Jersey brought cultural shame, especially around food, highlighting identity struggles.
In simple terms: Being different in school caused embarrassment and isolation.
Key Takeaway
Embrace cultural differences and share your story.
Themes
identity
culture
belonging
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
personal
cultural
When to use this quote
- school lunch experiences
- family traditions
- immigrant narratives
- cultural education
Key Concepts
assimilation
cultural shame
Questions to Reflect On
- How did this experience shape your sense of self?
- What can schools do to celebrate diverse cultures?
A Different Perspective
The anecdote may overlook broader systemic bias beyond food.